THE FRANKLIN SEAT

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1925, Page 4

THE FRANKLIN SEAT

AI'CKI.AXD. Alay 20. The Eranklin by-election is likely to provide a lively contest. 'l'here may he two Reform candidates, and l.ibetals and l.ahottr are expected to enter the field. The Rev. W. ( . Wood, of Papakura. ilelinitely intends fo staiul as an independent Reform candidate i! lie does not receive the party’s nomination. That event seems very unlikely, as Mr .AI’ 1 .cminall is practically certain to carry tho official Reform lianner. Mr Al’Leinian is a very strong candidate, a popular man, and one who inis proved his ability on the executive t.i many important organisations. However. Mr Word is not dismayed in fact lie i- surprisingly confident. “At a meeting of my sup porters to-day." he said, "it was decided to nominate me against all comers. The ltefi ;in Party has net yet actually ii,.initiat'd anyone for the. seat. 1 have not vet been approached by the party, n-u- has any member of my committee, hut nevertheless I am a candidate for its nomination. It the party accepts Ah- Al'l.eiiuan. f will stand against him." Mr Wood added that committees were being formed in his interest in all nans of the electorate. His supporters included Liberals and iollowers of Labour. Both these were represented on his Papakura committee, and they were | reuave.l to act opt him as a Reform candidate. At last ailvit es. the Liberal nomination was in the hands of the party s executive in Wellington, hut it- Is regarded as nearly certain that Air F.. Rea, of Papakura. who has contested the seat against Air Massey, will stand again. The Franklin branch of the New Zealand Labour Party are meeting at Otahuliu to-night to consider xx bother the national executive should 17e recommended to nominate a Lai mu r candidate. The main roll for Franklin has just closed, and contain' between TWO and Id. Odd names. A supplementary roll is now open, and will remain so until tile writ is issued. The total enrolment i' expected to he a record, he- , ause any eligible person failing to enrol is liable to a penalty under the Legislature Amendment Act. 1024. The compulsory enrolment system, in u-e for the first time, is not causing anymore trouble to electoral officers than the old system. NO WRIT YET. AUCKLAND, Mav 21.

The date of Franklin bye-election is still uncertain as the "Registrar of Electors has not yet received the writ.