Electioneering at Public Expense.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 174, 26 July 1887, Page 5

Electioneering at Public Expense.

Wellington, this day,

(BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORKICSPONDENT.)

The Colonial Secretary is the only member of the Ministry now in Wellington, all others being engaged in attending to their own interests in other parts of the colony. The "Post" pointedly asks the questions — Who pays for all the Ministerial running about which is now going on, and whether, when Members go to their constituencies, they charge travelling expenses and receive the usual allowances. It predicts that some sharp questions will be asked on the subject in the new House of Representatives. Rowdy Election Mcctinff. The proceedings at election meetings in Wellington have hitherto been of a dry as dust character, but last night the electors of Newtown had a night's fun at the expense of Mr Wilson, one of the candidates for South \Y ellington. Mr Wilson formerly held a seat in the City Council, and is anything but an oiator. One of his principal grounds for claiming support was that he had not been out of Wellington Heads for 45 years', and amongst his pet schemes was one for competing trunk railways, even to connecting them across Cook's Strait, while he also advocated a state bank of issue. When question time arrived, the electors were carried away by the spirit of mischief and propounded all kinds of queries. The candidate's financial scheme was scattered to the wind, and an invitation to express his views on reciprocity " floored" him completely, and he had to acknowledge that he did not know the meaning of the word! The querist expressed his opinion that it was the height of impudence for one who confessed to such ignorance to seek election. The meeting was the most uproarious held in Wellington for some time.

Mr O'Connor addressed the electors at Denniston last night. He was warmly questioned, and at conclusion a vote of no confidence was passed.

Dunedix, this day.

As Mr Fish is now definitely out for Duuedin South, there will be a warm fight for that seat. Mr Green's chances for Port Chalmers are said to be improving, and he will give Mr Wills a hard run. Mr Gourley will come out for Dunedin West in the protection interest.

I hear that the Protection League intend; inviting Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Ballanee to address meetings. Mr Barnes, ex-Mayor, has no intention of contesting Dunedin Central. (BY TELEGRAPH.- PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington-, Saturday. Mr W. Maclean, a candidate for Thornton, addressed the electors last night. He declared himself a protectionist, and a supporter of the present Government. He received a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr Garrick addressed the electors of St. Albans last night, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. An amendment of thanks only was negatived, about 30 votinofor it and over 50 against it. The meeting was somewhat disorderly. Mr Rollesfcon, who so far is the only candidate for Pvangitata, in addressing the electors strongly condemned the policy of' the Government as before, the country. He received a vote of thanks at Ashburton. At Rakaia Mr Ivess delivered a speed) danouncing Mr Rolleston and the Government, of which he had been a member.- A motion was proposed by Mr Ivess and carried, "That the meeting thanks Mr liolleston for his address, but assures him it has no sympathy with his views, and condemns the administration of the Government of which Mr Rolleston was a member."