THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14836, 29 November 1913, Page 12

THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE.

MR J. MoCOMBS (SELECTED.

The result of the ballot taken amongst the members of the Lyttelton branch of the Social Democratic Party to select the party's candidate for Lyttelton, "was announced at the Trades Hall shortly after ten o'clock last night. There were about ten or twelve people, including a representative of 'The .Press," present when the announcement was made. The returning officer announced that the baliot hau resulted in Air James McGombs being selected,as the Social Democratic candidate.

A speech was demanded from Mr McCombs. who said that he was naturally delighted at the honour that had been done him in being chosen to contest this important election. . It was not winning the Lyttelton seat—if he were fortunate enough to win it —but it meant more than that. It meant victory for the Federation of Labour. It not only' meant that, but it meant victory for the "whole Labour Party. They must go into the fight. At this stage Mr McCombs became aware of the presence of "Tho - Press" reporter, and mentioned the fact. ' A motion immediately moved that the reporters be asked to withdraw.

■ "There's only one here," eomeone retnnrked. There was no seconder to the motion. The returning officer said that to put the matter in order, he. would, take a motion as to ' whether the reporter should be present or not. "I move that the reporter stay,' said one. . • "I second," said another. "Tho:e in favour?" asked the returning officer. ' : • •'Ayej" was the unanimous cry. "Against?" asked the returning officer. "No," said Mr McCombs. "Do you want your dissent recorded?" asked the reporter" . '. ■"Yos, you can record it," said Mr McCombs. • In the , course of further remarks, Mr McCombs mentioned that two speakers, were ■ coming" from Wellington—Messrs Robertson and .Webb. Cheers - were then given' for : v Mr McCombs -and the/Social Democratio .■Party.- '■■.• ■'; t - • ; '; '". ' The reporter then approached Pro-. fessor Mills arid asked if he could have the. votes recorded for each candidate, "but w,as informed that no information was available. """^

It- is understood that tEe "election" was conducted on the system of preferential voting, but that consequent on Mr McCombs haying received considerably more than an absolute majority of the votes cast, there was no necessity to determine the manner in -which the voters had expressed their preferences. The other candidates were Messrs D. G.Sullivan and Mr H. R, Voyce, and amongst outsiders Mr Sullivan was considered as likely to top the poll. Labourites expressed;no astonishment at the result of the .ballot, the opinion being expressed that the watersiders, Yr2%'7°r ,Practically solidly for Mr McCombs. had not forgotten the fact that ,m the early 'days of the Federation of Labour Mr Sullivan had remained loyal to the.Trades and Labour Council Party. . .

Mr J; B iAureneon wiU address the electors at Woolston jO n Tuesday, at Wednesday, and at the Opawa. schoolroom on Thursday next Meetings for ladies, at. which Mr Laurenson: will speak, will be held at the -Lytteltfln Presbyterian Sunday school at.3.30 this afternoon, and at the Woolston Oddfellows' Hall at 3 p.m. on Monday. Mr M. J. Miller will address the electors at the.Stunner Parish.Hall at eight this evening.. On Monday he will speak in the Lβ Bon's Bay schoolroom at noon, and in the hall at Okain's Bay at 8; p.m. He .will also speak in.the Little Akaloa Hall at noon, and in. the Pigeon' Bay schoolroom at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.' " " . ': """■■