WEST MAORI BY-ELECTION

Taranaki Daily News, 8 August 1930, Page 9

WEST MAORI BY-ELECTION

THREI - ’ PROBABLE CANDIDATES. REV. HADDON MAY NOT STAND. (By Wire—Special to News.) Auckland, Last Night. Three new likely candidates have been mentioned for the Western Maori seat in Parliament, which was rendered vacant bv the death of Sir Maui Pomare. At a conference of Maoris of several tribes, held at AVaihi pa, Huntly, Taite Te Tomo, Taupo, A. H. Te Mete, lauranga, and P. H. Jones, Te Kuiti, were announced as being likely to stand. Tumate Mahuta, Waikato, a relative of the Waikato “King” Te Rata Mahuta, stated he would contest the seat if it was the wish of his people. Tn view of the fact that the Rev. Robert Tahu Haddon, New Plymouth, previously announced to be a candidate was present at the conference but did not speak, it is considered unlikely that he will take .part in the contest. According to a prominent local Maori leader, the chief issue undoubtedly will be the efforts to be made toward securing compensation for Waikato, Taranaki and Tauranga lands confiscated from the natives of those districts after the Maori War. The political standing of the suggested candidates has not yet been decided definitely.. A. H. Te Mete is expected to identify himself with the Ratana interests, Taite Te Tomo has announced himself a supporter of the Reform Party, and P. H. Jones will probably stand as an Independent. If Tumate Mahuta decides to stand he is likely to contest the seat in the interests of Reform.