THAMES ELECTORATE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5273, 11 May 1928, Page 2

THAMES ELECTORATE.

THE REFORM CANDIDATE. MR, A. M. SAMUEL TO STAND. A deputation, comprising members of, tho Paeroa branch of the N.Z. Poli" tical Reform League and supporters waited bn Mr A. M. Samuel, M.P., at the Criterion Hotel last night. The president of the local branch, Mr W. J. Towers, presided. In, liis opening remarks Mr. Towers referred to the fact that owing to the elimination of the Ohinemuri electorate by the alteration of boundaries Mr Samuel had lost his seat. The local branch was, desirous of retain.ing Mr Samuel aS its representative in Parliament, but realising that he was a loyal Reformer, a difficulty arose in asking him to contest the new Thames seat while the Reform sitting member was still in the field. However, the way had now been cleared by the retirement of Mr T. W. Rhodes, and tlie (jeputatlon was present that night to place before Mr Samuel largely signed petitions from Waihi, Paeroa, Hikuta'a, Netherton, Awaiti, and Turua.

The pctitioins were worded as follows : “We, the undersigned electors of the new Thames electorate, recognising the value of your work 'for. the district during the term of your service in. Parliament, respectfully beg that you will, offer yourself as a candidate to represent the new Thames electorate at the forthcoming election. Should you accede to our request we pledge ourselves, to do all within our; power to return you to Parliament as our representative.” In presenting the petitions Mr Towers that when it became known that Ohinemuri was wiped out consternation and regret was freely, expressed. The loss; of the district’s political entity was> keenly felt, and nwjre especially as, at that time 'it looked as if the services of Mr Samuel were also to be lost. Travelling found the, district, the president said, he had heard nothing but praise of the services rendered by Mr Samuel, and he felt sure that he was expressing the feelings, of a large number of people when he said that he was delighted to hear that Mr Samuel .had consented to stand.

REPLY’ OF MR. SAMUEL.

On rising to reply Mr Samuel wa? greeted with applause. He said that he found it difficult to reiply to such flattering remarks, which he accepted as'a compliment not only to himself, but also to the Rtform Party. He was grateful to the gentlemen who had undertaken, the work of obtainr ing such representative signatures on the. petitions, ani? it gave him pleSjaure to know that his humble efforts for the district had been appreciated 1 . At a large meeting of supporters of the Reform Party held at Thames W Tuesday night Mr Rhodes and tlie meeting had unanimously pledged th,eir fullest support, and he had agreed; to accede to the request to stand 'for Thames. If returned, it would be one of his chief objects to try and smoothe out any ’little parochial! difficulties, between Thames and Paeroa that may have existed in the past. He believed they were mostly imaginary, and would be easily overr come now that the two towns were in the same electorate.

Continuing, Mr Samuel s,aid that he had come to the conc'l'usion some time ago that if he did not offer; his services in the electorate that had put h*m in Parliament in 1925 he would not stand at the coming election at all.

After referring briefly to the. elimination of the 'Ohinemuri electorate and its absorption by extending the Thames electorate, Mr Samuel said that now the way had been cleared by the retirement of Thames’ present member, (Mr T.. W. Rhodes), .he had great pleasure in complying with the request so generously made to stand fo" Thames. If the people of the Thames electorate, did' him the honour of returning him to Parliament he would leave no stone untur.ned to satisfy them that their confidence had not been misplaced. Up to the present time his Parliamentary job had been a full-time' one. and he had dropped everything else. in. order to give full, attention to the needs of Ohinemuri. He would assure the deputation that if re-elected his efforts for the whole of the Thames electorate would not be relaxed. The community of interest between Thames and Ohinemuri. was very real. The mining industry in both districts was linked together, and they were allied with the primary producers, as the whole area was surrounded by great butter and cheese pr.odiictiofn.: consequently the Interests of the, combined electorates were identical. He contended that the new member for Thames had a splendid opportunity of serving Hot one county or particular place, but of furthering the injteres.ts of the whole electorate. He was conscious of the honour that -had been, done him, and in. acceding to their request to allow himself to be nominate could only repeat that if returned he would make it his constant endeavour tb de all he could in the interests and welfare of tlie people of the Thames electorate. In expressing pleasure at Mr Samuel’s decision. Mr W. F. Johnstone (Paeroa) pointed out that the large number of signatures obtained on tlie petitions was indicative of appreciation of serviced rendered, and! showed that the electors still -desired to retain him as their representative in Parliament.

Mr M A. Carter referred to the gratifying response that -had been met with when canvassing with the petition ut Netlierton, and pointed out that the people were ready to state tlirt their caniiilence in Mr Samuel ha not been misplaced. Even those persons who were opposed to the Refot in Party had a- word of praise for Mr Samuel, and the good work he ha I done for the district.

Tlie meeting then closed- with a vote (if. thanks to the president, and expressions of thanks and continued confidence in Mr Samuel.