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Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1931, Page 4

Evidence that fu/on is still in the air could be founded on the report that an adjustment of candidates for seats is taking place in connection, with:one coining general election. The Reformers of Hurunui have been in dojti bt about opposing Mr Forbes, the Prime Minister and sitting member. une section lately made the choice of a Reform candidate, but another soevem preferred a second choice, and when it was found that gentleman was not ovenvilling to go to the poll, the proposal was put forward to give Mr Forbes a free run as far as Reform was concerned, with the suggestion that th'e' United party should pay Mr Contes a like compliment. The idea at the back of the proposal is that the leaders should be free to stump the country ip their party interests. If this coinpnet is reached, it would be only fair to go a step further and give Mr Holland a free hand also at election time without tying him down to his constituency by the appearance of an opponent. A mutual arrangement along the lines suggested would; be ■ equitable, and give the three parties a fair start. As to the rank anct file no doub.t some endeavour will be made also to avoidi triangular contests with three party representatives. In cases where triangular contests ocepr it will be. a difficulty for the successful candidate to receive an absolute majority of the total votes polled, and as a consequence the bulk of the electors will not be represented directly in Parliament.. This is the major fault of the three party system, and many would welcome a- return to the two party e’ection again. However, with Labour an aggressive aspirant tlmt is not possible, and the best must be made of the situation. The fusion proposal was an attempt to meet the general situation but that failing, an adjustment of candidates : as far as possible will probably take place, and electorates will in most cases have the opportunity for straightout contests. On these lines p more stable Parliament may be elected, in that minority members will not be so numerous in the House.