NEW PLYMOUTH SEAT

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1935, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH SEAT

MR. W. A. SHEAT TO STAND AN INDEPENDENT RADICAL. PLANS FOR GENERAL ELECTION. / ATTITUDE OF THE LABOUR PARTY. Mr. W. A. Sheat, Pffiama, who has already contested the New Plymouth seat in the interests of Labour at two elections, has signified his intention of standing as a Radical Independent at the next election. , Mr. Sheat stated at the week-end tnat he had made the decision in response to numerous requests, and that he had officially notified the executive of the Labour Party some months ago of his intention to contest the seat against all comers. He will not at present make any official statement of his. reasons for severing his connection with the Labour Party. Mr. Sheafs name has frequently been mentioned as that of A possible candidate for the Egmont electorate. He stated last night that he had' received many requests to offer his services in that electorate in the event of a change of representation being forced. He did not anticipate now, however, that any change would be necessary. . Commenting on the withdrawal of Mr. J. Roberts, Labour candidate, announced on Saturday, Mr. Sheat remarked that an unfortunate episode in the history of Labour politics had thus ended, and that the news would doubtless be received with a sigh of relief in Labour -circles throughout the province. At a meeting of the New Plymouth Labour Representation Committee held at the week-end the statement in the Press attributed to Mr. Sheat was considered. The committee felt that the statement might lead Labour supporters to think that Mr. Sheat had the support Of Labour in the New Plymouth electorate. This was not .the position. An official candidate would be contesting the . seat in the interests of Labour at the election.