THE HAWKE’S BAY SEAT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1677, 20 February 1917, Page 3

THE HAWKE’S BAY SEAT.

SIR JOHN FINDLAY’S WITH-

DRAWAL

Wellington, Feb. 19

The announcement of Sir John Findlay’s withdrawal from the Hawke’s Bay contest was received here with great regrtt. His candidature was exceedingly popular, and would be strongly supported in the Wairoa portion of the electorate. A requisition is being numerously signed asking him to reconsider his decision.

The wonderful achievements of quick-change artists arc nothing compared to the rapid reverse of things now occupying the attention in connection with the Hawke’s Bay election.

Mr A. E. Jull, of Waipawa, yesterday informed the Press that he would he agreeable to aeeept nomination for the Hawke’s Bay seat it requested hy a representative body of electors. T( appeared impossible (hat a Liberal candidate acceptable to both sides was likely to be selected. Those responsible for the selection now speak much more hopefully of being able to make such an acceptable choice, and in order not to prejudice their efforts, he (Mr Jull) wishes friends not to wait upon him lo urge his candidature. Interviewed regarding this new development, Hon. IV. D. S, Macdonald stated that before leaving Hastings for Wellington yesterday morning, Sir John Findlay gave him (he assurance that he would place himself in the Minister’s hands in regard to the selection of a candidate for the vacant seat, but, added the Minister, nothing will be made known until after the convention of delegates last evening. Mr Jull also had given him (the Minister) a free hand. Mr MacDonald said he had seen Mr Mason Chambers, of Wellington, and had been informed by him that the Reform League would adhere to (he arrangement already made. The Minister is now actively engaged in endeavouring to bring about a settlement of differences existing among sections of the Liberals in Hastings. When asked by the Tribune yes(erday morning what he would do in the event of someone other than himself being selected, Mr Simpson replied: “Nothing will stop me contesting the election; nothing but dealli.” Mr A. L. 1). Fraser also states (hat, as the position stands at present there is no doubt that ho (Fraser) will go to the poll. SIR JOHN FINDLAY SELECTED. Napier, Feb. It). There l was a very long discussion at (he Liberal Convention at: Hastings, and finally, although some delegates had left the room, it was unanimously decided that Sir ■John Findlay should be the selected candidate. His was the only name submitted.