SOUTHERN MAORI SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1918, Page 4

SOUTHERN MAORI SEAT.

THE PARTY TRUCE. By Telegraph—Prc-fo Association. Wellington, Last Night. Re (lie Southern Maori election, Mr. Ellison, who stood at last general election as a Reform candidate, telegraphed Sir Joseph Ward on January 21 that he proposed to stand as a supporter of the National Government. The following telegram was next day sent to Mr. Ellison by the of the respective parties: "With reference to your suggestion that you should stand as candidate for the vacancy created by the death of the late Mr. Charles Parata, we have to inform you that under the truce established upon the creation of the National Government, an undertaking was entered into between us that in the event of a vacancy the leader of the party to which the member belonged was to nominate the candidate, and the support of both parties was to be asked for on his behalf. The late Mr. Charles Parata having been a member of the Liberal party, his successor requires to be selected from the Liberal party by Sir Joseph Ward. In the circumstances yon will recognise it is not possible for you to be nominated on behalf of the National Government, and our desire is that you should not stand, and that your support and assistance should be given to whoever is nominated by Sir Joseph Ward to fill the place ofthe late Liberal member. This is this, course that has been followed in Ettro-ii pean seats since the National Govern-! ment was formed, and we hope that the Maoris will respect this arrangement"