THE WANGANUI SEAT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14463, 30 November 1914, Page 4

THE WANGANUI SEAT.

In view, then, of the plain issue before the country, Liberalism versus selfstyled “Reform,” it behoves all good and true democrats, and Liberals to unite in a common cause. 1 Unfortunately in AVanganui, where it was hoped and believed - there would be a straight-out fight be r .

tween the parties, another 'Liberal has ■ entered the field, at the last moment, and a three-cornered contest iriuet result unless wiser Counsels prevail? and Mr Hogan's supporters can be induced to advise their candidate to stand down. Mr Hogan’s entry into the field has come as a surprise to the Liberal organisation here, as it has to Hie leader, of the party, Sir Joseph Ward. Mr Hogan admits that up till quite recently he had no intention of contesting the seat. There was, he said, much in politics, that was distasteful to him; but, acceding to extreme pressure, he had, after much hesitation, decided, to contest the seat. For party reasons wo regret that Mr Hogan did not announce his candidature earlier, so that efforts might have been made .to prevent .vote-splitting. As a matter of fact, Mr Hogan, was interviewed some months ago by various representatives of the Liberal party and asked to state his intentions. He was invited to attend meetings called in the interests of the local Liberal Party, but declined to take any part, and gave his .interviewers to understand that he would not be a candidate; As a result of that decision, Mr Hogan's name was not included in the ballot which was subsequently taken by the combined Liberal and Labour parties, when '. Mr Veitch was selected, both parties agreeing to stand by the selected candidate and do their best to secure his return.