SOLDIER M.P’S.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 January 1941, Page 3

SOLDIER M.P’S.

i AND THE NEXT ELECTION I POSITION IN REGARD TO SEATS. LABOUR PARTY DECISION. <By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. At a recent mooting of the national executive of the New Zealand Labour Party, it was agreed not to contest seats held by Opposition members who were serving with the forces overseas, or who might be in camp in New Zealand preparatory to going overseas. The decision is conditional on a similar attitude being adopted by the Opposition toward seats held by Labour members similarly placed. Members who are likely to be overseas on service when the election is held are four Government representa'ivs and four from the Opposition. The Government members are Captain W. J. Lyon (Waitcmata). Lieutenant A. G. Hultquist 'Bay of Plenty). Private C. F. Skinner (Motueka) and Trooper R. M. Macfarlane (Christchurch South). The Opposition representatives are Brigadier J. Hargest. D. 5.0.. M.C. (Awarua), Major J. M. Allen (Hauraki). Captain A. N. Grigg (Mid-Canterbury) and Lieutenant T. L. Macdonald (Mataura). The position of members so placed was raised in the House by Brigadier Hargest before his departure. He said they would be at a distinct disadvantage in the event of an election taking place in their absence. Mr Fraser, then acting-Prime Minister, said the only way of overcoming the situation would be by arrangement between the contesting parties. However he offered no suggestion as to the nature* of the arrangement that might be! reached.