MR. GUNSON'S POSITION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 69, 15 December 1919, Page 10

MR. GUNSON'S POSITION

WILL SUPPORT THE REFORM ' PARTY.',' By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Auckland, December 14. An interesting indication of tho strength of tho sentiment in Auckland in favour of the Government is given in the various stages of the candidature of Mr. Gunson for the Koskill seat. Mr. Gunson, who is Mayor of Auckland, wns announced as an Independent candidate six months ago. When,the' campaign opened he was in America, and it was -stated that" he could not get a steamer to bring him hoine bofore elect'on day. He lias iupresented as an Indepandent, and the general opinion was that he leaned t:> Sir Joseph Ward's side, and would 'be acceptable' to the Opposition. At all events, no opposition candidate was put. forward, and the Massey .Party selected Mr, Potter, a returned soldier. On December 4 Mr. Gunson's committee'announced the rece pt of a cablegram from him in which he said: "With- regard to my plntform, I am in accord with the . political. prosra-mmo issued by tiltRight Hon. W. I'\ Massey as' being in' agreement with the principles for which I stand."

Yesterday another 'step-.was taken by., the following wireless message from Mr. Gunson on the Niagara, near Suva:— "You may state emphatically that I will support the Reform Party on a no-c;m-fidencc motion. (Signed) Gunson.'' It is evidont from these cablegrams that if the Government voto is as- strong in Auckland as Mr, Gunson's committee thinks, it is, Mr. Massey -Is' f?oins to have a big win in. the north on Wednesday. Mr. Potter is still the Government candirbif'o for Hcskill, and is confident of ■winning.