ELECTION IN N.Z.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 256, 28 October 1931, Page 7

ELECTION IN N.Z.

Mr Coates Outlines the Government’s Plans. CHOICE OF CANDIDATES. Per Press Association. lIA WE RA, October 28. The rumour that the Hon R. Masters would be nominated as the Coalition candidate to oppose Mr Wilkinson at Egmont is discounted by a letter from Mr Coates to Mr F. Gawith, official Reform candidate, in which Mr Gawith is informed that he is the Coalition nominee. Mr Coates further states that where both a United and a Reform candidate have been nominated to oppose the sitting member the Government will choose between the two. The list of selected candidates for such electorates will be published shortly.

CHOICE NOT SUPPORTED.

Coalition Candidate for Auckland West. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, October 28. Considerable dissatisfaction is voiced in the local United Party organisation at the selection of a Coalition candidate without local supporters being consulted. The chairman of the Auckland West United Committee,'commenting on the announcement of Mr J. A. C. Allum’s selection, said that the Reform candidate had been a bad third at the last two elections. Therefore Mr Allum’s selection was not acceptable, and if it was persisted in a candidate would be selected to carry the banner of LiberalMr W. B. Darlow, who was announced before the Coalition as an Independent United candidate for Waiternata, announces that he has not withdrawn. Miss Melville, the women’s candidate for Auckland East, says that she will consult the women’s groups who support her. It is reported that Mr S. Rickards (Reform) will be the Coalition candidate for Manukau. CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS. Per Press Association. HASTINGS, October 28. Mr George Roach, Mayor of Hastings, the United candidate, who was chosen to contest the Hawke’s Bay seat against Mr 11. M. Campbell, Reform member, has withdrawn his candidature. The committee supporting Mr Roach met yesterday to consider a telegram from the Hon R. Masters. It was decided to recommend Mr Roach to accede to the Prime Minister’s request that he should withdraw. Mr Forbes has been advised of Mr Roach’s decision. AUCKLAND SEATS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, October 27. The selection of Coalition candidates to contest Auckland metropolitan seats were advanced to-day when the Situation in three constituencies was clarified. Developments included the endorsement of Mr J. A. C. Allum and Mr R. H. Marryatt as Coalition candidates for Auckland West and Auckland Suburbs respectively, and the decision of Sir George Richardson, Reform candidate for Auckland East, to retire in favour of the sitting member, Mr J. B. Donald. THE TIMARU SEAT. Reform Party Supports the Coalition. Per Preßs Aasooiation. TIMARU, October 27. There was a good attendance of Reform supporters at a meeting held tonight, when it was decided to enter into the spirit of the Coalition Government and call themselves Coalitionists. The following resolution was carried unanimously:—“That this meeting of Coalition Government supporters is prepared to bide by the choice of the Coalition Cabinet in the election of a candidate to contest the Timaru seat.” THE RICCARTON SEAT. There is a likelihood of Mr A. A. M’Lachlan entering the campaign for the Riccarton seat as an Independent at the coming general elections. Mr M’Lachlan stood in the United Party’s interests at last election. It is stated that residents of one of the country districts in the electorate informed Mr M’Lachlan that if he declined to contest the Riccarton ssat, they would put up a nominee from their own district. Mr H. Kitson has already been suggested as an Independent candidate. Mr G. T. Thurston is the Labour nominee.