A SWING-OVER FROM REFORM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 188, 10 August 1931, Page 12

A SWING-OVER FROM REFORM.

ELECTION PROSPECTS ARE GOOD FOR UNITED PARTY (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, August S. Confidence in the prospects of the United Party at the coming general election was expressed to-day by a member of the party who has just completed a tour of the North Island. 1 lie said that already sixty-one United candidates had been chosen and others would be announced at an early date. “The type of candidate coming forward to contest seats on behalf of the United Party at this election is the Best in the history of the party, and a noticeable feature is that men who in the past have been strong supporters of the Reform Party have come over to us,” he said. “This is due to the splendid manner in which- the Prime Minister has tackled the difficult problems facing the country. It has not been a pleasant task for him, but it had to be done and the thinking section of the community give Mr Forbes credit for his honesty of purpose. At the present time he stands head and shoulders above every other politician in the country. “Any Government that finds it necessary to increase taxation runs the risk of incurring the displeasure of a number of those who are called upon to bear heavier burdens, but in the case of the present Government there seems to be a general recognition that no other course was open to it. Reform Likely to Lose. “As I see the position Labour will probably gain a few seats in the cities, and there may be one or two losses of United seats in the main centres. However, the United Party has not many seats that it can lose in the large centres. I think that the coming election will see an accession of strength to the United Party, chiefly at the expense of the Reform Party. “I do not know what the position is in the South Island, but throughout the North Island there is a pronounced swing-over from Reform to United. We are not likely to lose any seats in Auckland and have excellent prospects of making gains from Reform. In Taranaki the Reform Party is not likely to improve its position, and it may lose the Patea seat. In other parts of the North Island our prospects are equally good.

REFORM CANDIDATE FOR EDEN CHOSEN.

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, August 9. Mr R. Glover Clarke has been selected as Reform candidate for Eden, to oppose the Hon A. J. Stallworthy.