AUCKLAND ELECTION.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 831, 1 June 1910, Page 5

AUCKLAND ELECTION.

9 THE LATEST PHASE. ATTITUDE OF THE OPPOSITION. (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent,) Auckland, May 31. ■ The all-absorbing topic- of conversation in the city at the present time is the intentions of the various political parties regarding Auckland East. ■It is understood that Mr. Clark has since declined to stand, and as no other Opposition candidate is spoken of, it is thought that the matter will be allowed to rest. In connection with the selection of Mr. Knight as the Labour candidate, one of those present'at the meeting has supplied' a report which varies somewhat from the official account of the meeting. Hβ states that up till a certain stage of the meeting only unionists were admitted,. but after that time a large number of tho general public were allowed to enter and take part in the ballot. It was evident, the informant states, that there was a desire, on the part of those controlling the meeting to secure the nomination of Mr. M'Bride, but the impression made by the latter was not of the most favourable character, this fact being demonstrated in the selection of Mr. M'Knight by a majority of 39 votes, Prior •to the ballot being taken Sir. Davis expressed a wish to withdraw in favour of Mr. M'Brido, but the withdrawal was not accepted. Auckland, Later. The Rev. Joseph Clark intimated this . afternoon that he would be unable to accept the invitation of the meeting, of the supporters of tho Opposition to become the parry's candidate for the Auckland East by-election. The party may now decide not to /nominate anyone against the other candidates, Messrs. A. M. Myers (Independent), W. Richardson (Prohibitionist and Protectionist), and M'Knight (Labour).