POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1928, Page 1

POLITICAL.

(By Telegraph—Per Tress Association.) STRATFORD, July 17. In response to the unanimous request of a large meeting that was representative of all parties of the electorate of Stratford, held to-day, Mr W. J. Poison, the Dominion President of the Farmers’ Union, has consented to contest the Stratford scat. In accepting nomination, Mr Poison definitely stated that he is opposed to the present Government. His attitude was an independent one. Though he was unable at present to ally himself with any party, ho was satisfied that a sane party would emerge that would he capable of giving the country a more efficient Government. He hoped to be able to support such, a party. As the President of the Farmers, said Ml- Poison, he had found it necessary to enter politics in order more effectively to carry out that programme that had taken so much of his time in recent years. That programme was designed to bring about more co-Opera-tion between the town and the country.' The solution of the problems confronting the primary producers, he added, would living about greater prosperity for all sections in the country, which was so dependent upon primary production. The farming industry, lie declared, must he encouraged liy every possible means. His policy would be fully explained to the electors from the platform. ■ * ASHBURTON, July 17. Mr 11. M. Jones, who contested the Ashburton seat as a Liberal at last election; asked as to his intention regarding the mid-Canterbury seat, replied that he must stand.

There is a petition asking the Hon. Mr W. Nosworthy to reconsider his decision not to contest the seat. It already contains four hundred signatures, mostly of residents of the borough and environs of Ashburton. It is expected to get twice that number next week. STRATFORD, July 17. Mr E. Walter, the sitting member for Stratford, and Mr J. B. Hine, a former member and minister, have signified their willingness to stand in the Reform Party’s interests. Strong representations are being made from all quarters in the electorate. asking Mr Masters, who defeated Mr Hine in 1919, who was for six years Reform member for Stratford, to contest the seat in opposition to Reform, hut he has declined for business reasons. .