EDEN SEAT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 14 April 1926, Page 10

EDEN SEAT.

MR. COATES TAKES A HAND. By Telegraph—Press AsscciallOD. AUCKLAND, April 13. Speaking in the street to a crowded audience at Ivingsland to-night, the J Hon. J. G. Coates replied to a number .of allegations made by Air H. E. Holland in Auckland recently, and | defined his attitude to the Edon byi election controversy. The meeting | was noisy at times, but Reform sup- | porters largely predominated, and Air Coates met with a hearty reception. Regarding the charge that he had broken a promise that no railway workshops employees would he dismissed under the reorganisatipn scheme, Air Coates said he had endeavoured to reduce staffs by transfers, but it had been necessary to dispense with tho services of some short-term casuals, a number of whom liad declined a. transfer. The secretary of tho Tradesmen’s Association had stated that no blaino was attachable to tho Alinistcr in the matter. Dealing with the position in tho Eden electorate, Mr Coates declared that nothing had happened since the general election to justify a want of confidence in tho Government. Hehad investigated complaints about the selection of a candidate, and had interviewed one candidate personally. After 1 taking time to consider, ho found the selection quite in order, and, saw no reason to interfere. He had asked no ono to withdraw, but lie asked all true men and women to get behind the candidate selected by the delegates. Aliss Alclville, if she bad been selected, would have been accepted bv tho Party without hesitation. Laboutl was very keen to see Aliss Alelvillc poll j well, because it wanted to be the , official opposition. He had every ! respect for Aliss Alclville, but the duty of Government supporters was to support the official candidate.