MR AVERS AND THE ELECTORS'ASSOCIATION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6018, 29 August 1887, Page 4

MR AVERS AND THE ELECTORS' ASSOCIATION

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — As various versions are current respecting the action of the Canterbury Electors' Association with regard to the candidature of Christchurch South, I should be glad if you would allow me to give the correct version of the matter. The Electors' Association was formed for the purpose of securing representatives for Canterbury who should be in accord with a certain policy. In its body are influential electors of all classes and from many districts, and so far its operations have been exceedingly successful. Its policy is so well-known that there is no necessity for me to allude to it. Mr Ayers never was the candidate chosen by the Association. At the time when the choice of a candidate was still under discussion, he announced himself for Christchurch South without consultation with the Association, of which he was a member.

At a large meeting of the Association, Mr Perceval, Mr Ayers, and Mr George were balloted for, the whole of the members present pledging themselves to support the candidate selected. The result was that Mr Perceval received the greatest number of votes, and became the candidate to whom the Association gave its support. In the last three weeVs, three members only have resigned, and the Association is still in full force and vigour. Of course great latitude must be allowed to opposition newspapers in election times, and for that reason I do not think it worth while to take notice of any misrepresentations that have appeared on this subject. — I am, &c,

W. H. SPACEMAN, President Electors' Association.