THE OTAKI SEAT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2273, 6 October 1914, Page 8

THE OTAKI SEAT

-'. ■ ' ♦ — (To the Editor.) Sir,—-In your issue of this morning; I note the result of the voting of Otaki delegates. My friends and supporters have long ago ceased to identify, themselves with Mr. Paapo's organisation, and all but one of the delegates . who voted at Saturday's meeting were cither, elected by a few of Mr. Field's friends or were self-appointed. Some months ago Mr. Guthne, M.P., went to Manakau to meet the Reformers. At this meeting a committee was balloted for, and the election resulted in all being supporters of mine. After the election Mr. Guthrie was asked if Mr. Field would abide by the voting of the different meetings, to which he replied that Mr. Field was the Government nominee, and would not- stand down, no matter what happened. At this my supporters, by far the majority of tlioso present, left the room in a body and declined to have anything further to do with the organisation. Since this happened my voters all over the electorate have taken no further action, and Mr. Paape's meetings have been held by Mr. Field's friends; and delegates have been appointed by them. This explains the voting; 14 to 1. In your report) Mr. Paape mentions my letters toOtaki and Paraparaumu, and claims that I agreed to- stand down on the voting of the'delegates. This statement is quito unfounded, and I challenge Mr. Pa-ape to produce and publish tho said letters. As a matter- of fact, Mr. Paape ceived my Paraparaumu letter, but" refused to have it read. At Otaki my friends were too numerous, and ho was obliged to permit the letter to be heard. The delegates. who voted' at Levin were unrepresentative, and do' not express the opinions of one hundred voters. —I am, etc., BTB.ON BROWN. Otaki, October 5. ' ■• • " ■•