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Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1930, Page 4

The Parnell by-election promises to he .lie prominent event in political circles over the Easter holidajs. The three parties have made their choke of candidates. Mr Jenkins whose act of resigning caused the by-election, offered ms services to Reform and has been turned down. Mr Jenkins will realise the force of the old sayings about •‘trying to serve two masters” and “falling between two stools.” He has certainly fallen out of the political arena. His Parliamentary career has been episodical, and he will have much to ponder over in a study of the rise and fall of the political barometer when a member attempted to kick over ,iis platform pledges. The choice of Reform has fallen on Mr W. Endean, the son of one of the Auckland pioneers, who is new to politics, but is sure to have a good backing from his personal standing. Labour has selected Mr Rloodworth, a very worthy representative who has achieved civic uonors and proved an earnest worker in the city interests. The United Party has selected Mr Donald, also new to political life. The Governmentlias several new and promising young men in its ranks, a brother of the candidate named being in the category, and holding ministerial rank. The party has chosen well, and the Parnell Electors have excellent choice before them. Naturally the Government will strive to retain the seat for which Mr Jenkins was returned at the general election as a supporter of the United Party. The Auckland area did welj for the Uniteds at the time’of the general election, and if as is hoped, Sir Joseph Ward will be able to meet the electors from the public platform, the issue should not he in serious doubt, ft is likely the [Ministers generally will pay ■‘■■medal attention to the electorate. The Government is composed of several capable members, all well able to express themselves, and play a useful part in administering their departments. Owing to the indisposition of the Prime Minister a great deal of extra platform work has been thrown on tiie Members of the [Ministry, and a'l have done well in the special duties allotted to them. Tl is evident there is a good team, and very capable team work is being performed by all the members. This fact is sure 1o carry weight in the election. The Labour candidate appears to bo the stronger of the other two candidates, and his party will render him all possible support also. Reform is 7iot receiving Idle reception it should in any part of the country. [Mr Contes is making praiseworthy personal efforts, but lie is practically alone, and docs not ap-

pear to catch the public imagination. The result will ceiure most- probably between the United and Labour candidates and at the moment the prospects of Air .Donald arc the brighter. The real fray lias not been entered upon yd, and it is sure to be a hard louglu contest.