EGMONT BY-ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 80, 21 August 1912, Page 5

EGMONT BY-ELECTION.

LIBERAL CANDIDATE SELECTED. A meeting of supporters of the Liberal Party was held in the Eltham Town Hall on Monday' night, when over a hundred persons were present, many of them being ladies. The meeting was not open to the press, but the local papers have been supplied with the following report: The chair was occupied iby Mr. N. Muir, president of the Egmont Liberal Association, and Mr. D. Buddo, who was Minister of Internal Affairs in the Ward Government, was present. The first resolution was moved by Mr. E. Parrott, to the effect that it was desirable to put forward a candidate in the Liberal interest. This was carried unanimously. Mr. Buddo then gave a short address, and expressed his satisfaction at the enthusiastic manner in which the meeting had resolved to bring out a candidate. He had been invited to attend, and would cheerfully give any assistance >he could. He was not present to take any part in the selection of a candidate—that was purely a matter for the electors themselves; but when they had selected one he was willing to assist with advice and give any information that might be deemed of use to the candidate. Mr. Buddo then made a few remarks on Liberal legislation, and was heartily applauded. Mr. E. Parrott then moved: "That Mr. Astbury be asked to contest the seat." This was supported by Mr. D. Hughes, of Mantua, and carried unanimously. On Mr. Astbury rising and intimating that he would accept the nomination, he was enthusiastically cheered, and the meeting sang, "For he's a jolly good fellow." Mr. Astbury then delivered a short address on Liberalism, rousing the meeting to enthusiasm. A strong committee was then formed to assist Mr. Astbury, and make arrangements for the coming campaign.

A rumor which appears to be soundly b.\sed is in circulation to the effect that one of the Government candidates for the Egmont seat is sure to stand down, the party being determined that there shall be no clashing of political interests by two candidates standing in the same interests. One of the candidates is reported to have definitely staled that he will not stand if there are two candidates on the Government side.—EH ham Argus.