NATIONAL PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 100, 30 April 1938, Page 8

NATIONAL PARTY

WANGANUI ELECTORATE

MR. H. C. VEITCH OFFICIAL CANDIDATE RESULT OF POSTAL BALLOT Mr H. C. Veitch, 8.A., B. Com, A.R.A.N.Z., has been chosen as the official candidate to represent the National Party in the contest for the Wanganui seat at the Parliamentary elections at the end of the year. A postal ballot was conducted to ascertain the wishes of members, four candidates offering themselves for selection.

Mr Veitch, who Is commercial master at the Wanganui Collegiate School, is the youngest son of Mr W. A. Veitch, who represented Wanganui in Parliament for 24 years. The so.t has inherited from both his parents a distinct flair for politics. He found scope for his acumen and sound knowledge of economics as a teacher. He taught first in the primary schools and latterly has been on the staff of the Wanganui Collegiate School. lie is also a successful coach in accountancy subjects. He had taken an energetic part in promoting the National Party in Wanganui and her gained experience on the platform thereby He Is 34 years of age. Ballot Papers by Post The other members of the part} seeking its endorsement as official candidate were Messrs G. H. Trott, W. 11. Swanger, and C. P. Brown. All four addressed a large meeting of National Party members in the Opera House on Wednesday night, each being allowed 20 minutes in which to outline political viewpoints and criticise the present administration. Ballot papers were distributed to financial members of the party and the poll closed at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon.

When the result became known, Mt Veiicn was the recipient of congratulations from members, and from his fellow-candidates for office. Ali three assured him ot their loyal support to win the seat from Labour. Strong Organisation Mr D. W. Earle, chairman of the executive of the party in Wanganui, in an interview with the “Chronicle,” stated that the organisation begun to select the candidate would be retained and strengthened between now and the election. He appealed to all electors opposing socialism to rally to the National Party’s banner. A strong candidate had been selected and was deserving of the fullest support. "He is a candidate chosen definitely by members of the party,” said Mr Earle. "The fundamental basis on which the National Party has been founded is that each member has an equal say in the formation of its policy and in the selection of its candidates. That is a democratic principle and it. was exercised in selecting Mr Veitch. The poll was a very heavy " one, and that, as can be readily appreciated, has been distinctly encouraging to the party. The percentage of votes cast was high, practically all the members exercising their right." A Friendly Contest "The contest has been a mot’, friendly one,” said Mr Veitch, when congratulated by the "Chronicle” on his selection. "Naturally, I am very pleased to win it. We all offered our services in the interests ot the party and not from a personal standpoint. The organisation the party ha, created in Wanganui is stronger than any similar organisation in the past. In fact, prospects have never been brighter and the organisation I* capable of achieving success. I will do my best to warrant the honour accorded me.”