MAORI BY-ELECTION

Waipa Post, Volume 41, Issue 3185, 7 August 1930, Page 5

MAORI BY-ELECTION

. SIR MAUI POMARE'S SEAT.

THREE CANDIDATES POSSIBLE.

A message from New Plymouth says that the Rev. Robert Tahu P. Haddon, a close associate of the late Sir Maui Pomare in Maori reform movements and other fields of endeavour, has been persuaded to accept nomination and contest the vacant seat in the Western Maori electoral district.

Inquiries revealed this week that this decision of Mr Haddon will result in the probability of three candidates entering the field. Ratana's followers have selected a candidate, and another prominent Maori, Taite Tomo, of Taupo, also has accepted nomination. Mr Haddon is superintendent of the Methodist Maori Mission, and has been engaged as minister for the past thirty years. A great influence will be wielded by the lead of Te Rata, the accepted " king " of the Waikato, and big conferences will be held in Waikato during the next few days, commencing at Waahi.

Princess Te Puea, of Ngaruawahia, has intimated that she will give her support to the Taranaki candidate if the nomination is clear cut. It has been revealed that Mr Haddon had been asked to stand previously, before Sir Maui Pomare accepted the nomination. He made his final decision regarding the present contest when the. elders of the Ngaraurau and Ngatiruanui (South Taranaki) tribes requested him to stand. Mr Haddon is a grand-nephew of the famous Titokowaru.