WELLINGTON NORTH

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 123, 11 February 1918, Page 6

WELLINGTON NORTH

Sir, —I read your leader on this matter this morning with interest. There was, as you judicially observe, hound to be differences of opinion in the selection 'of a candidate.. The whole business of selection has been badly managed. Mr. Luke would not have been nominated at ail if Mr. Massoy had first consulted the Reform League and the- supporters of the National Government m Wellington North. It was Ins naming of Mr. Luke to succeed Mr. Herdman that created so much dissatisfaction in the ranks of his own supporters. How couid Reformers he expected to accept Mi, Luke? How. could Mr. Luke fill the qualifications of a representative to succeed Mr. Herdman? The Prime Minister is to blame for the mess in Wellington North. Mr. Luke, as you' say, is bv no means an ideal candidate, although but for the appearance of Mr. Brandon lie might have been elected. It is well, then, that Mr. Brandon has ?.r----peared. There is no fear of the Lab-our-Socialist Party doing more m Wellington North at this time than it has done at any other, if as much. In electing. Sir. Brandon we will find a man who is a. fitting successor to Mr. Herdman—a man who is quite as strong a Reformer and as staunch a patriot and as thoroughgoing in his win-the-war policy.—l am, etc., NORTHLAND. [Our correspondent is in error in asserting that the Reform League ivi not consulted about the selection of a candidate for Wellington North. It may be the fact that Mr. Luke's name was first mentioned, but the local Reform League, we are informed, bad the opportunity, if it so desired, of choosing another candidate, and Mr. Massey was ready to fall in with the league's wishes. Mr. Luke, it is true, may not be an ideal candidate for this seat, but the same at least can be said of his oppotients.] Sir, —As spokesman of the deputation which invited Mr. Brandon to offer himself as a candidate for Wellington North, I wish to state, that the.invitation was not directly or indirectly instigated by what is called the Liquor Party. It was the spontaneous expression of a desire j;o he represented by a man of standing and ability, ' closely identified with the electorate which lie seeks to represent.—l am, etc., B. P. HADFIBLD. February 9, 1918.