SPLITTING OF VOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5319, 29 August 1928, Page 1

SPLITTING OF VOTES.

THEME JILWTEIVB ROhNPEK. LESSONS OF THE PAST. Thf, disastrous consequences of votesplitting were emphasised' by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon> J. GCoater;) in his .inaugural address before the fifth Dominion Conference qf the New Zealand Political Reform League a.t Welllin.gton last week. Air Coatas expressed the hope, that where that risk at present was iiy evidence wiser counsels would prevail. “I appreciate the interest that haia been shown by the representatives of the organisation from ope end of the Dominion, to the other,” said the Prime Minister in welcoming the delegates. “1 think this meeting is an indication, of the quickening interest that has been shown by tho ( se responsible for. the maintenance in this country of oiin party. The organisation >s I should say, well forwardI—l 1 —1 da not suggest it is perfect, but. it is very keen, sq keen, indeed, that a Plumber of our best supporters arc really a little inclined to think that tlreir turn has arrived, and that they shouldhave the preference for, contesting 'SOjtne of the constituencies. Probably that is a very healthy sign. It shows, at any rate, that they are keen, and are anxious to offer tne'r services. “Naw,, while they are excellent candidates, it would certainly make the lot of those respons'ble for the organisation very much easier if they were not iiuitc so keen, and in that connection I sincerely trust, that wise counsels will prevail. We have to remember that in 1922 four Government seats were lost through votei-splittin-g. Tha.t was brought about by there being, two candidates each supporting the same party contesting the same 'Seat.” At a later, stage in bis address Air Coates again emphasised that the United Party was standing in the way of progress. A vote given, to .them was actually a vote given to Labour. “What we have; to. watch,” added the Prime Minister, “is that our organisation is sufficiently alive tq that fact.”