THE FIRST IN THE FIELD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3093, 2 October 1893, Page 2

THE FIRST IN THE FIELD.

TO THE BDITOTt. Sic,—A. local having appeared in this week's paper stating that Mr Purnell was the first to announce himself as a candidate for tho Ashburton seat, I beg to inform you that Mr Wason had announced Irs intention of standing some time previously, and in doing so incurred tho censure of Mr John McLachlan who had also announced himself before Mr Purnell.—l am, etc., T. E. Upton. [If not actually announced by advertisement, Mr Purnell's intention to stand for either Ashburton or Rangitata was publicly known for months before he "officially" declared himself. That his intention to do so was recognised, note the fact that at all the local public functions the duty of responding to the toact of the Legislature was always apportioned to him. That he did not declare himself for Ashburton iooner was because, as he stated publicly in the Oddfellows' Hall at Mr Wright's meeting, that gentleman had not decided which of the two seats he would stand for. The question, however, ia not who was first in the field, but who is to be first on the list at the declaration.—Ed.]