Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 1923. TAURANGA BY-ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2553, 10 March 1923, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 1923. TAURANGA BY-ELECTION.

THE Labour Parly has decided not to conies I the Tauranga seat. Such decision is somewhat contradictory of the Reds pronouncement that lhe party was determined to put up a candidate al every elec!ion. There is a reason—and a very good one — why (his rule will nol her observed in Ihe case of Tauranga. Labour in I lie case of Tauranga. Labour recognises dial (heir candidate, in (he lirsl place, would have no hope of success, and, secondly, Unit any votes east for Labour would prejudice the chances of the Liberal candidate’s success. They realise that the contest is going to be very close between Sir Joseph Ward and die Reform candidate but whatever the consequences a shaft must be hurled at the Government. Apart from the Labour altitude there are many supporters of the Government who believe that Sir Joseph Ward’s services to the Dominion would be acceptable at the present time. We do not for a moment believe that his election would mean another appeal to the people, rather it would have the effect of compelling a fusion of Government and Liberal Parties and putting a nail into the coffin of the three-party system. It is difficult to speculate on the result of the Tauranga. by-election until Sir .Joseph Ward has delivered his speech and detines his attitude on things political. The election will have a most important bearing on the future political state of affairs.