THE AUCKLAND MAYORALTY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1398, 26 March 1912, Page 5

THE AUCKLAND MAYORALTY.

"STRIKE OR NO STRIKE." IB; Teleeraph—Press Association.) Auckland, March 25. On present indications the city mayoral election is to resolve into a contest between Mr. C. J. Parr and Mr. Hall Skelton. The Federation of Labour nominee (Mr. M. J. Savage) was met by members of the Socialist party on Saturday, but it is believed he will decline to accept nomination. Mr. Hall Skelton this morning eaid ho would stand entirely as an independent. The solo object of his standing was, if possible, to prevent what threatened f:o be one of the most disastrous industrial upheavals New Zealand has ever known. It was in his opinion absolutely certain that if Mr. Parr were returned there would be a stoppage of the wheels of industry right through New Zealand. He believed .that if the Mayor of the city were willing to urge a policy of conciliation this disaster might be averted. Mr. Parr had, ho considered, acted unwisely in Tefusing to bring about a conference. ne (Mr. Hall Skelton) was being requested to stand by both employers and employees, as well as by a large My of business mon. which would suffer most if a general strike did take place. The position was now so ncute that he believed that in tho interests of industrial peace nlone there should bo n change in ■■ tho mayoral office, and he therefore would contest the seat, believing tlint upon the ousting of Mr. Pan depended the. issue, strike or no strike.

A' mass meeting of labour unions was held to-night for the purpose of definitely deciding what candidate they would support for the mayoral election. Mr. g av . age, who was chosen at Inst Thursday's meeting, announced that lie would not contest the position 'as the Socialist party, of which ho was a member, considered the time was not yet opportune to put forward a candidate. J[r. Hall Skelton's nnme wns put. forward, and after much stormy discussion it was finally decided to support him.