EDEN BYE-ELECTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1926, Page 4

EDEN BYE-ELECTION.

REFORM CHANCES BRIGHT

[BY TELEGRAPH —PER PREBS ASSOCIATION

AUCKLAND, March 8

Sir James Gunson’s chances are bright in view nl' Reform's large majority at the General Election, but Miss Ellen Melville’s entry into the lists somewhat complicates the issue. Miss Melville has no chance of winning the seat, as Sir James will carry the hulk of the Reform support, but she seems determined to go to the poll. What she will gain by her action it is hard to sec.

To-morrow the Labour Party’s .scionlion ballot will be conducted, when all members of the L.R.G. affiliations and Par tv brandies within the electorate will be entitled to vote. TTie four candidates for selection are: Messrs 0. 11. !!. Mason, T. Woodworth, J. Purtell, and F. Langstone. formerly member lor Waimai'ino.

flight booths will lip provided, mul the eandidiite polling the greatest number of votes will become the official b:ihour cii ndidato. Miss Melville is nutting as hold a front on her forlorn hope as possible. In spite of all rumours to the contrary from interested quarters, I am going to the poll.” she stated to-day. ■■ | :■ 111 receiving splendid support, and have received expressions of sympathy and encouragement from many <|iiaitvrs.”

Canterbury has produced an unexpected aspirant to the seat in the person of Mr Phil Needham, who contested the seat in 1922. -Mr Needham states he will be a starter. As be. polled only 29 votes in the Tcmuka contest be is, no doubt prepared to forfeit bis deposit, and such an eventuality would seem to be a foregone conclusion. Till-; I.Alton} t'ANDIDATF. AUCKLAND, March 10. The Labour Party ballot resulted in the choice of Mr H. (.1. 11. Mason by an overwhelming majority to contest Eden in the party’s interest. PREMIERkS STATEMENT. WELLINGTON. March 10 In reference to the Eden bye-elec-tion. to-day a statement was issued by the Prime -Minister, Mr Coates, as follows:-—" In conformity with a seleetion by a conference of delegates from several brandies of the Reform League in Eden electorate, hold at Mount Albert on March Ist. I have the pleasure in endorsing Sir James Gunson’s nomination as Government, candidate at the approaching by-election.

“In making this announcement T appeal with confidence to till supporttors of the Government in the elecora Ut* to sf.nk their sectional (inferences and unite with their full strength to ensure the retention of the seat by the party which has held it for so many years. "I fed sure that, with unity in our ranks the Government candidate, Sir .Limes Gunsoii. will lie returned with a substantial majority.”