GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3351, 18 October 1911, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTIONS.

THE PARNELL SEAT. MR MASSEY NOT TO STAND. (Per Press Association.; AUCKLAND, October 17. Interest in the contest for the Parnell seat has lately increased by the overtures made to Mr Massey to stand against Sir J. Findlay. r J lie condition of Mr Moss’s health lias been such as to cause his friends and supporters to fear that it is asking too much of him to go to the poll. Before, however, Mr Massey would consent to become a candidate for the seat, he insisted upon consulting the electors of Franklin, and the latter, together with Mr Massey’s election committee, met their member, and the official organiser of the Opposition (Mr Martin) at Papakura yesterday afternoon. After a discussion a resolution was carried to the effect that the meeting considered a service would be done to the Opposition cause by Franklin keeping its member, and leaving him free to render assistance in other electorates during the coming campaign. Mr Massey accordingly understood that- he slioukl not stand for Parnell. This decision he conveyed to a large meeting of Parnell electors last evening. The position now is, therefore, that Mr Moss remains the Opposition candidate, and that should he be enforced by ill-health to retire from the contest another candidate, to be selected by a committee set up at the meeting will take his place.

WELLINGTON CENTRAL SEAT.

MR R. FLETCHER'S CANDIDATURE

WELLINGTON. Oct. 17

Mr Robert Fletcher, Liberal candidate for Wellington Central, addressed about 800 electors last night. He said he allied himself with the Literal party, but did not pledge himself to any particular man. He believed the land question was the most- important one before the country. He advocated a higher progressive land tax and taxation of all land values, which would promote, settlement- and bring down the present rates. He supported the new defence system. He received a vote of thanks and confidence.

DUNEDIN SOUTH.

A LABOR CANDIDATE

DUNEDIN, Oct. 17

Mr J. E. MacManus, Labor candidate for Dunedin South, addressed a very large meeting at St. Kilda last night. He received an attentive hearing, and at the conclusion received a vote of thanks for hi-s address. He stated that he did not desire a vote of confidence.