The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1884. The Elections

The parties which have been organised to put up men in opposition to the popular candidates for the Manawatu and Eangitikei seats, do not appear to be very settled in their minds as to any particular line of action. We were informed that the supporters of Mr Donald Fraser in Palmerston had lost faith in that gentlemen, and in their ability to return him to the House. This timidity appeared extraordinary, more especially as we were under the impression that his committee was composed of men of sterling bottom, who were not likely to throw up the sponge before their man had fought a single round of the battle. The idea appeared to be that Mr Fraseb was not a powerful speaker, and that another candidate having this qualification must be got. It was rumoured that as Mr G. W. Russell pretends to have this gift he would "fill the bill" of a strong enough man to oppose Mr Macabthur, but as is seen by an advertisement in to-day's issue, Mr Fraseb's friends are more determined than ever to contest the election. On the score of popularity alone Mr Fbaser would poll fifty votes to Mr Russell's one. In Rangitikei the supporters ot Mr Bruce appear to have lost heart, and in order to make a level contest desire him to withdraw and give his support to Mr Arkwright. As the two candidates really represent the opposition to Mr Stevens, we think that one of them ought to withdraw, and as Mr Arkwright is from a variety of reasons the better man for the position we think MiBruce ought to give away. By so doing he will put the electors of his party under an obligation they will remember on a future occasion. This would make the battle on even terms and increase their chances. The supporters of Mr Stevens muster strong in every part of the electorate except Marton, where Mr Arkwright has his strongest following. We believe that if Mr Bruce withdraws to support Mr Arkwbight, that the number of names polled will be as nearly level as when Mr Stevens defeated Sir William Fox.