POLITICAL POINTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 253, 25 October 1893, Page 8

POLITICAL POINTS.

Mr E. Withy has not yet decided whether he will or will nob oiler himself as a candidate for Parliament. At the women's franchise meeting yesterday he reiteiated hia intention of adopting a perfectly independent attitude. Some candidates, he said, had such a chameleon faculty that they could without any trouble express the most diverse opinions to different audiences. For his part,;;if he came out he would express his own views and not swerve a hair's breadth from his convictions whether he obtained their support or not. Mr B. Mitcheleon will address a meeting of the electors of Eden at Devonporb this evening, when it is his intention to lay bare what he considers to be the weak points in the financial policy of the Government. Mr Mibchelaon was always reckoned an authority in such matters by the Opposition, and on more than one occasion during the last session his voice was heard attacking the financial fabric of the. Government, which was the envy of tjieir enemies. Then his onsets which, by the way, were always couched in a most temperate vein, were mosb effectually meb and repulsed by some prominenb Minister of the Government. Tonight he will have no Ward or Seddon to contend with, and will therefore have an opportunity to expoße, without serious molestation, whatever is fallacious to his mind in the picture the Colonial Treasurer has presented of the prosperity of the colony. Mr"Frank Lawry Bhows no inclination as yeb to retire from the field of Parnell, although there is a general consensus of opinion that it would be a graceful and proper thing on his part to offer no opposition to Sir George. To-nighb he addresses the electors of Darnell in the Parnell Hall, and he will no doubt have something to say on this point. MR NICCOL AT BIRKENHEAD. Mr Malcolm Niccol addressed a meeting of the electors of Eden last evening in Gladstone Hall, Norbhcobe. There were about sixty present, including several ladies. Mr G. N. Brassey was voted to the chair. After touching on questions doalb with in previous speeches Mr Niccol gave his views on the Codlin Moth Acb, and urged the importance of encouraging small farms and fruit orchards, and avoiding legislation likely to harass settlers and retard improvement of their holdings. He commended the Government for introducing the Land and Income Tax. He advocated the progressive land tax and taxation on unimproved values; also a progressive tax on wealth when it reached an excessive amount, and an increase of succession duties over certain limits. Referring to the Liquor Control Acb, Mr Niccol announced himself as being in favour of the majority deciding all matters, the franchise to be universal, but districts to be smaller and more compact, so that the real wishes of the residents of any district hitherto accustomed to work together in temperance questions day be respected. In answer to questions, Mr Niccol Btabed he was in favour of maintaining the present education system intact, and would oppose introducing the Bible into schools. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the candidate, and tho usual vote to the Chairman, concluded the mooting. Mr Jamea Muir, fcho latest to seek the suffrages of the electors in this district, gave his final consanb to stand for P.irliamenb when waited on by an influential deputation to-day. Tho new comer, who is well known in Auckland, complainE thab he has been unfairly represented in some quarters. He baa just ground for complaint it, as he says, opinions have beea put into his mouth which he never gave expression to. Mr Muir flies the Government colours, bub he has not nailed them to the mast. In eoverai respects he would nob befitatfi fro follow Sir Koberb Stout in preference to Mr Seddon, and ho does nob seek to conceal this fact from bhoae whoso votes ho eclicitn. On the big liquor question he takes' up a perfectly "rational position, notwithstanding that he has been accused of want of backbone and lucidity. He is in favour of the Direct Veto, but is no prohibitionist.