WELLINGTON EAST SEAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 31

WELLINGTON EAST SEAT.

REFORM AND UNITED CANDIDATES WELLINGTON, May 18. Air Thomas Forsyth stated to-day that, in response to numerous requests, he would again be a candidate for the 'Wellington East seat in the Reform interests at the next general election. _ Referring to the subject of fusion, Mr Forsyth said: “I want to say that the present Parliament has demonstrated the futility' of three-party government, and while I strongly' support the idea of a National Government or party, I would like to add that the advocates of fusion as a means to a better and more stable Government would do well to learn the real lesson of thio doubtful expedient, which is that in fusion, where all parties are not animated by a desire to achieve its advertised aims, those parties whose sincerity is least will achieve the most.” The candidature of Mr Forsyth for Wellington East seat has not received the official endorsement of the Reform Party. According to a statement made by Reform headquarters this evening it was reported that no candidate for the seat had been selected eo far as the official organisation was concerned by the party, and that Mr Forsyth had elected to stand on his own initiative. A candidate would be chosen at the selection conference to be held at an early date. Mr J. J. Clark, of Kilbirnie, was selected to-night as the official candidate of the United Party to contest the Wellington East seat at the forthcoming general election. Mr Clark is a well-known business and public man, having served for many years on the Education Board. He is Dominion president of the South African Veterans’ Association, and represents that body on the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Mr R. Semple (Labour) at present holds the seat.