UNITED’S CHOICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 940, 5 April 1930, Page 1

UNITED’S CHOICE

MR. W. A. DONALD TO GO TO THE POLL

LAW AND COMMERCE When Mr. W. A. Donald, a younger brother of the Hon. J. B. Donald, Minister of industries and Commerce, returned to New Zealand in April of last year, the possibility of entering politics was far from his mind. Now he finds himself involved in what will probably be one of the keenest political contests seen in New Zealand for some years. “They seem to want me as a candidate, ” said Mr. Donald, referring this morning to the strong requests that have been made to him to contest the Parnell by-election in the interests of the United Party, “and now that I am in it I am certainlygoing to give it a good go.’’ The announcement of Mr. Donald as the official United candidate was made yesterday afternoon. Mr. Donald’s legal and commercial training since he left New Zealand with his father in 1902 to complete his education will no doubt stand him in good stead. The youngest son of the late Mr. A. B. Donald, he was educated first at the Auckland Grammar School and, in England, at Dulwich College and at Oxford. Mr. Donald studied law, and in 1913 entered a solicitor's office in London. Later he read in chambers with Sir William Jowitt, who is now Attorney-General in the British Labour Government.

Like many other young men of that time his plans were considerably upset with the outbreak of the war. He was then a member of the Yeomanry, being in the Varsity squadron of King Edward’s Horse. It so happened that he was actually in camp when war

was declared and he joined the Inniskilling Dragoons, in which hb obtained his commission, serving in France from early in 1915 until the end of the war. After the war Mr. Donald resumed his interrupted career and was called to the Bar. In London he practised for some years, specialising more particularly in common law. He left the law in> 1928 to take up a business appointment in London. Later he decided to return to New Zealand in order to take an active part in the business of A. B. Donald and Sons, of -which he has been for many years a director. KEEN SPORTSMAN Mr. Donald is a keen sportsman and, like most New Zealanders who go to Oxford or Cambridge, took an active interest in most athletic pastimes. Rugby was his first choice, but a damaged knee, a relic of the Rugby field, forced him to give up the game. He then turned his attention more to rowing and gained a place in his college boat. Although forced to give up the game, Mr. Donald followed Rugby in England with close inerest, as the interviewer discovered when, leaving politics for the moment, he discussed with him the prospects in New Zealand of the English side that will shortly be visiting the Dominion. Mr. Donald will meet friends and supporters of the United Party at St. Mark’s Parish Hall, Remuera, on Monday evening, and at St. Heliers on the following evening, but it has not yet been decided when he will open his public campaign. POLL FIXED FOR MAY 7 DECISION BY CABINET Press Association WELLINGTON, Friday. Wednesday, May 7, has been fixed by the Government as the date for the Parnell by-election. Finality on the matter was reached by tile Cabinet today, and an announcement, setting out the above decision, will be made tomorrow.