THE MOTUEKA SEAT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1954, 10 January 1914, Page 5

THE MOTUEKA SEAT.

NEW SUPPORTER OF REFORM.

(By Telegraph.—Spccial Correspondent,) Nelson, January 9. It having been rumoured that s'r. Horatio Everett, of Riwaka, chairman of tho Waimea County Council, would contest tho Motueka seat at the next general election, a Nelson "Mail" representative put the. question to him this afternoon, and was informed that tho rumour was quite correct. Mr. Everett added that ho would stand as a supporter of tho present Government. "I havo always been a Radical," said Mr. Everett..- "With tho introduction of the freehold, which is very dear to the.heart of the agriculturist, and tho way in which tho Government met the labour differences, and have kept pretty consistently to their election pledges, I have come to tho conclusion that the time has como to support them." Mr. Everett said he regarded the Government as uncompromisingly against tho Federation of Labour, and this factalone went a> long way in inducing him to give Mr. Masscy his support. "I have been a Radical all my days," repeated Mr. Everett, _ "and yet I havo como to tho conclusion that we must go a little slow, and I am willing to sink any minor opposition that I hold and support' the Government on party lines." Ho had always been, an Independent in politics, but ho now recognised that independence was 110 good in these days, and that one must ally himBelf to ono party or the other while party Government existed. Twenty years ago he stood as an Independent against the''Hon; C. H. Mills, and was defeated by 300 rotes. He recognised now, however, that he must bo prepared to give ground,'and bo content'with half a loaf. Mr. Everett in reply to a query said ho had not been approached by the Reform Government to stand in tneir_ interests, but had beeti assured of considerable support in the electorate. Mr.;'.Everett is a well-known Brooklyn, -Riwaka, and has for many years.been connected with local bodies, being'at present chairman of the Waimea County Council and a member of the Motueka Harbour Board and Motuoka Licensing Committee.