THE MAYORALTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17012, 10 April 1923, Page 7

THE MAYORALTY.

“ THREE-CORNERED ” RUMOUR. LABOUR IN A QUANDARY. A three-cornered contest is regarded as certain for the Mayoralty. Accord ing to opinions definitely expressed thi. 3 morning, the candidates will be *. — J. A. Flesher. J. Hamlet. A Labour representative. Mr J. A. Flesher is a member of thn present City Council, being chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr Joseph Hamlet is a well-known land agent. He has had little, if any, local body experience. At the general parliamentary election of 1914 he contested the Sehvvn seat. The voting was: W. J . Dickie 28S8, G. Sheat 1061. J. Hamlet 988. Jt has been stated in some quarters that Mr C. P. Agar was likely to come forward. When questioned, Mr Agar said, “ There is no truth in the rumour. I am standing for the council as a Citizens’ Association candidate.” There is exceptionally keen interest in the Labour Party’s attitude. The Labour Representation Committee has considered the matter at three special meetings. At the first two it was decided by narrow majorities not to nominate a candidate, but this attitude was strongly criticised by many prominent members of the party. They contended that Labour should go in and win. In consequence. a third meeting of the committee was held last evening, and after protracted discussion it was announced that a referendum would be taken of all bodies affiliated to the LH C. There will bo two issues on the ballot paper . Should Labour contest the Mayoralty? and Who will be the candidate? “ A Labour candidate is coming out. Make no error about that,” said a member of the party this morning. “ Wc hofil that the Citizens’ Association candidate is unpopular and that our man can top the poll. We should be able to make a definite announcement by the end of this week. Ft should have been made before, but, once started., we will make up for lost 11 The names of no fewer than five Labour men are mentioned as possible candidates:— D. G. Sullivan, M.P.. J. K. Archer. 71. T. Armstrong. M.P., J. M’Combs, M.P.. ami R. D. Martin. I One point on which there is sharp j division of opinion is whether a Labour j man should be permitted to occupy two j such important positions such as member of Parliament and Mayor. To do I so conflicts with the Labour maxim—j Parliament are eliminated from the I contest the ballot will lie between Mr : Archer and Mr Martin, both members <•! the present. Council. However ?t is probable that members of Parliament will be given a free hand to decide for themselves on this occasion. In that case Mr Sullivan is almost certhere is a good ileal of support for Mr Archer.