TIMARU MAYORAL CONTEST

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20095, 30 April 1935, Page 5

TIMARU MAYORAL CONTEST

To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald

Sir—Your correspondent ‘West End” writes In to-day's issue: “I would like to know why the Labour Party has these two in the fighting line, and has any of theip been O.K.’ed by the Party.” Mr Koller was nominated at an ordinary general meeting of the Party branch three months ago, and the question of any irregularity has never been raised at any subsequent meeting. Mr Paterson was not nominated at any time for the position for which he is now a candidate. The following telegrams conclusively show that Mr Paterson has not been O.K.’ed: “Member of branch here been informed by Paterson that National Executive has granted Paterson permission to contest mayoralty as independent. What is position? Reply urgent. Hilton, secretary.” The following reply has been received from Mr J. Thorn, National secretary of the New Zealand Labour Party: “No truth statement that National Executive permits Paterson contest as independent. (Signed) Thom.” By intruding himself into the present mayoral contest—without previously resigning from the Labour Party—Mr Paterson has broken his written pledge given when joining the Party. Readers may draw their own conclusions.—We are, etc., M. E. HILTON, Honorary Secretary, Tlmaru Branch "of Labour Party. E. W. JONES, E. A. HILTON, Members of Executive. Timaru, April 29.