POLITICAL NOTES.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 15 October 1919, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES.

. Mr C. H. Poole (Auckland AVest) lias ■definitely announced that he will not -offer himself for re-election at the coming elections. Mr A. J. Entrican, Deputy-Mayor "of 4 uc^l con " test the scat in the Liberal interest. the other candidates being Mr 0. F. Bennett (Reform), and Mr J. Savago (Labour). There is also tho probability of a lady candidate should a Bill •enabling women to sit in Parliament pass this session. Mr A. MeNichol, o* Dannevirke, has been definitely chosen as the Reform candidate for tkc'Pahiatua scat at tho next election.

A representative meeting of settlers at Carterton decided to support the candidature of Mr A. D. McLeod, of ■"Mangapari," Martinborough, for the Wairarapa scat in tho Reform interests. Mr McLeod, who has been chairman of the Fcatherston County Council for the past 17 years, has consented to nomination.

Mr George Barclay, of Little River, will be the official candidate for Ellcsaiere in the Liberal interest. Mr Barclay, who is a farmer, has been connected for many yeaTS with the various local bodies in tho district.

The member for Wellington North (Mr J. P. Luke) has asked if the Government will make provision for run-, aing excursion trains during the coming Christmas season.

General Meldrum has definitely decided to contest the Rangitikei seat in .the Liberal interest.

The Prime Minister has promised to jet a report from the Board,of Trado concerning a suggestion made by Mr H. Holland (Grey)* that "enormous quantities of dried fruit arc being held in cold storage in both Wellington and Auckland for an increase in price."

Sir William Eraser, Minister of Public Works, will not bo a candidate for any scat at the coming general election. In announcing his intention to the electors of Wakatipu, he says:— "For over fifty years I have taken an active part in the publie life of the Dominion. I have for nearly twentysix years continuously presented one constituency in Parliament, and have served as a Minister of the Crown for «even years, so I think I may fairly Jelaim now that I am entitled to a littlo xest."

It is stated that the Independent Democratic gr»up in the House ©f Representatives has been strengthened toy the decision of Mr C. E. Statham .(Duncdin Central) to stand aa an independent candidate, Tather than continue his support of the present Government. Mr A. D. McLeod, of Martinborough, .who has been chairman of the Feathor.oton County Council for many years, Jias decided to contest the Wairarapa seat with Mr Hornsby, the present member. A move is on foot in Wellington to get Mr Sievwright, a returned soldier, to also contest the seat. Mr Sievwright "in conversation with a "Mail" representative says he is yet •undecided.