GREY BY-ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 206, 20 May 1918, Page 4

GREY BY-ELECTION

MR. COVTBS Atvl) MK. HOLLAND NOMINATED. Br Telegraph—Press Association. Greymouth, May 18. ThnniM Eldon Coatcs, solicitor, Greymouth, ami Harry Edmund Holland, journalist, Wellington South, were to-dny nominated for election to the Grey seat. CAMPAIGN NOTES. ' Although there is little discussion on the by-election, both sides are working hard (says tlio Greymouth correspondent of tho Chrietchurck "Press"). Mr, Coates's supporters are confident that they will be able to regain the seat for the Literals. Mr. Holland's platform work is not adding to his popularity. At ■Reefton ho had a lively 'meeting , , and at tho conclusion he was asked a number of question?, which he did not answer satisfactorily. Tim interrogators had still more that" they wished to know, but tho chairman closed the meeting on the ground that the hour was '.ate. Tho meeting of Greymouth waterside- workers that Mr. Holland addressed was attended by only onc-foartli of the men. The majority of tho union, being strong conscriptiomsts, declined to attend.

Mr. Coates is, at present in the Beef ton district, "and is receiving an cnthusinsUo reception. Interviewed by <•> Chrlstchurch "Press" reporter, Ifr. R. Wilson, of Reeftoii, 6aid that the Eeefton district would give a very stTong vote, in suppoit of Mr. Contes. Reefton was eolidly patriotic and loyalit was not "Red Fed," and never could bo. Its industrial backbone was composed of tho finest' elements in our national life. To tho cause of this war it had given Lieulonant-Colonel Winter Evans, and many other good poldiers, and it would not bo disloyal to its own It is believed that Mr. Holland will not command anything like the solid miners' votes that wont to Private P. C Webb. The recent trouble over the levy and dissatisfaction regarding union matters have caused a breach that is rapidly widening. ■ The fact that Mr. Holland is not a miner will also alienate ilioso who consider that a enccessor to Private Webb could easily have been found in their own class. Strong endeavours are being made to restore unity, but tho actual results will nol; be'known until tho poll is declared. In the meantime it may be said that tho conscriptionisls are wonderfully confident.