POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1238, 28 April 1914, Page 3

POLITICAL.

PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES.

The H.B. Herald’s correspondent telegraphs that the Liberals are hoping to get Mr R. McNab, formerly Minister for Lands, to contest the Patea seat agatnst the present member, who is a follower of Mr Massey. There is no truth in the rumour that Mr C. PSkerrett, the well-known barrister, will be a candidate against Mr Herdman for Wellington North. In any case, Mr Herdman’s seat Is absolutely safe, no matter who contests it against him. Canvassers who are acquainted with the Wellington districts assert that both Dr. Newman and Mr Fisher have considerably strengthened their position, while if Mr Luke stands for the Suburbs seat as a follower of the Massey Government he is likely to win with a good margin. It is significant that both Mr W. H. Field and Mr Luke, who were formerly supporters of Sir Joseph Ward, have now transferred their allegiance to Mr Massey, and that while both were defeated as Liberals at the last election it is practically a certainty that each will return to Parliament after next election as a supporter of Mr Massey. The coming Mayoral election will be a good test in regard to the feeling in the community as to whether or not Mr Luke has improved his political position. The chances are that he will win easily. A determined set will be made by the Liberals against Mr Fisher, and I learn that the former are to have the support of the Red Federation in an effort to oust him. In other words, the Social Democrats will not put up a candidate in that constituency, but will vote with the Wardites against the Massey Government. The alliance of the Wardites and the Red Feds, will, however, have the effect of bringing many thinking Liberals to vote for Mr Fisher, while at the same time it will show the country constituencies what they are “ up against” in so far as the so called Liberals are concerned.