Big Guns for Raglan Campaign

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 146, 10 September 1927, Page 1

Big Guns for Raglan Campaign

OPPOSITION ACTIVE LIBERAL-NATIONAL ACCORD (From Our Resident Reporter.) WELLINGTON, To-day. The House of Representatives has passed the motion instructing the Speaker, Sir Charles Statham, to issue the writs for the Raglan by-election. This will be done in the very near future, and then will begin the fight for the vacant seat. Ic is gathered that the new Political Party is not putting up a candidate, but great hopes are being entertained for the polling of Mr. Thomas Parker, who is the first to carry the banner of the newly-revived Liberal Party in a political contest. The Nationals will not put up a man, but will add their moral support to the Liberal’s representative. Sir Joseph Ward is believed to be favourable to the candidature of Mr. Parker. This belief tends to destroy the impression that negotiations are proceeding with Sir Joseph Ward for the leadership of the new political party. Sir Joseph is quite reticent however, and refuses to discuss this aspect of his political position. Mr. W. J. Jordan. M.P. for Manukau, has gone to the Raglan electorate holding the expressed belief that the byelection will prove an indication of the public feeling throughout the Dominion toward the stewardship of the present Government. Desperate endeavours will be made to capture this seat from the Government and add one member to the meagre numerical strength of the Opposition in the House. Mr. W. A. Veitch, Mr. G. W. Forbes and Sir Joseph Ward might be seen in Raglan before the election date.