Unity Essential

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 399, 6 July 1928, Page 1

Unity Essential

SIR J. GUNSON CONSIDERS CANDIDATURE PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS Sir James Gunson indicated to a private deputation from the centres in the Auckland Suburbs constituency to-day that he had every inclination to stand for Parliament in the area, but the two essentials to his candidature were unity in the party, and the overcoming of certain private difficulties. The deputation was arranged by Mr. W. H. Shepherd, chairman of the C/.en Eden Town Board, who said that after the last by-eleetion, with its regrettable results, they had thoroughly canvassed the district, and were convinced that it could be regained for Reform. The Reform vote remained. They recognised that it would be a hard fight to regain the seat, and it would take a strong man. Sir James was the strongest and ablest man who might be available. He had given a definite promise to consider standing again, and tLfi district hoped he would. The boundary alterations, they thought, had improved the position from a Reform point of view. The vote was there if they could keep internal dissension out. THE ONE WANTED Mr. G. R. Hutchinson, Birkenhead, considered that his own area was practically a block vote for Reform. Dozens of people hoped that Sir James would stand. He was as the one man they wanted. Birkdale and Avondale supported the request, and expressed their unqualified support. Mr. James (Avondale) considered that the other prospective candidates would resigp, or at least submit to the selection ballot. Glen Eden, Henderson, and other centres in the district had in support. • “Unless we can get one man, we will lose the seat again, and I am doubtful about one of the others retiring,” remarked one speaker. Two women speakers, Mrs. Darrow and Mrs. Fox, said that if Sir James would stand he "would have their support. “It wasn’t the women’s votes that kept him out last time,” they said. Replying, Sir James said it was a pleasant meeting, and in attending it he was not unmindful of his duties to the electors. In view of his obligations, and his disposition toward public work, he would very seriously consider the position, and decide whether, in the position he was placed, he could possibly stand again. The fight would be strenuous, and the Reform chances must be seriously prejudiced if there was vote-splitting. The party', j#nd those interested in it, must take a leaf out of the book of others, and stand in unity.

Sir Jaijies remained to make a personal explanation' of his position to the deputation.