National Party Prepares For Election

Chronicle (Levin), 26 February 1949, Page 6

National Party Prepares For Election

Press AssoGtationj

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AUCKLAND, Feb. 25. •Apart.from Mr. J; R. Hanan, of Invercargill, whose withdrawal was annouuced recently all the National Party members in the House of Representatiyes will be candidates at thiB year's general election'. This was mentioned by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. S. G. Holland) ' who said in replv to a question that he knew of no other -" non-starters. " Mr. Holland was present at an allday caucus of the Auckland National Party members of Parliament to-day. He said the purpose of the meeting was to review the ground that had been eovered since the last election and the ground that would be eovered before the next election. "There has been-a»very healthy inquiry in various parts of New Zealand, but particularly in Auckland, from people interested in knowing how to qualify as National Party candidates," continued. Mr. Holland.. This indicated that a. particularly good type of candidate would be offering. The pre-elec-tion activ'ities would gain momentum next month, and' in April when the annual branch meetings were held. Nom: inations for the National Party 's. eandidate for the Gisborne seat close on Monday and a postal ballot of members of the Party in the electorate will be held within 28 days. The seat is at present held .by Mr. D. W. Coleman (Labour) who, it is understood will not be contesting the election.