POLITICAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 92, 20 April 1893, Page 5

POLITICAL.

It is stated on good authority that the Hon. Mr Fergus, member for Wakatipu, who announced his intended retirement at the end of last session, has been induced " to re-enter " the political arena, and will probably stand for Dunedin city, or for his old constituency.

On April 13 Mr Earnshaw, M.H.R., addressed the electors ab Soubh Dunedin. Sir R. Sboub presided. Mr Earnshaw spoke in warra praise of the Government measures and of the administration of the Government, particularly the Minister of Public Works, in relieving the labour market and providing remunerative employment by means of the co-operative system.

Mr McGuire addressed his constituents a b Stratford on April 17th, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. The only thing new in his speech was that he expressed doubt as to the advancement of the cooperative system, and condemned the Government for refusing to adopt a scheme he had lately promoted for dealing with the Taranaki difficulty.

A crowded audience assembled ab the Theatre Royal, Kumara, to meet Mr Seddon, who, in a vigorous speech lasting two hours, defended the policy of the Governmenb, his remarks with reference to finance and the acquisition of the Cheviot estate meeting with special approval. Mr Pearn moved a resolution thanking Mr Soddon for his very able and statesmanlike address, coupled with a vote of confidence in the Liberal Ministry and a wish that they may long remain in power to complete the good work they are now engaged in. The motion was unanimously agreed to amidst great cheering.

Mr Geo. Hutchison addressed the electors of Maxwelltown, Wanganui, on April 15th, Mr P. Handley presiding. The illness of the Premier was referred to, the Speaker maintaining that Mr Ballance was entitled to the greatest credit for the large surplus. He hoped the Colonial Treasurer would be enabled to take his seat nexb session to receive the congratulations which were to be showered upon him by both sidesof the House. He deprecated the way in which the press had spoken about the Pnomier's successor wheu no occasion presented itself. He opposed the state farms at Waverley on the ground that it was not fair to bring : men from Christchurch and Dunedin to compete with settlers of the disbricb. He favoured the Minister for Public Works having a seat with the Railway Commissioners, as electors were justly entitled to a representative in their control. A revision of tho Customs Tariff was looming ahead, some city members supporting the Government wanting protection, if not prohibition. He understood that members of the Government were eager bo tinker with the tariff to any extent. He condemned the co-operative principle of public works as unfair to the majority of workmen. Commenting on the women's franchise, Mr Hutchison said probaby we may learn that nexb session is too late to expect so great a change to take efiecb in time for the general election. Ho considered there was no excuse for the session nob opening before June. A vote of thanks was accorded him.