WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 259, 1 November 1893, Page 2

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

(by telegraph.—own correspondent.)

Wellington, this day. HOPS AND BARLEY.

Mr W. Franklyn, of Nelson, in his published address, says, " Your chief industries are hops and barley, and, with our small holdings no other industries can possibly produce equal financial results. Put the 1 extremists' into power, and Nelson and the Waimeas may at ones be blotted off the map." A LADY DEPUTY. The "Hawke's Bay Herald" correspondent sayß the Returning Officer for the Waipawa electorate has appointed a lady as Deputy Returning Officer ab one of bhe polling places for bhe Parliamentary election. This will be tbe firsb case of bhe kind in bhe colony. ALLEGED BRIBERY. In his Bpeech ab Ohingaibi on Saburday night last, Mr Joseph Ivess, as a candidate for Rangitikei in the Liberal interest, is reported to have made the following circumstantial statement: —" During the lasb few days I have been approached from a certain standpoint The obher evening, in the Argyle Hotel, Hunterville, 1 was called aside privately by a gentleman who occupies a very responsible position in this country. It is not necessary ab this stage of the proceedings to disclose his name. Later, I may be able to do so. He called me aside and said, ' The other nighb we had a little consultation about the contest.' I am only telling you whab was eaid. *We wanb you bo wibhdraw.' I said, *On whab terms am I invited bo wibhdraw.' He replied, *At bhe meeting there was a sum of money mentioned; ib was £250. Ib will be available if you accepb ib.' " Mr Ivess said r abher than accepb thab bribe he would c ommit suicide. . OOTTINGS. The Palmerston North electoral roll, which is to be issued to-day, contains 3,800 names, and the first supplementary roll has 750 nameß. A Masterton telegram states that there is not the slightesb foundation for the reporb that Mr Pownall intends to retire from the contest at Wairarapa in favour of Mr Fairbrother. Mr Buchanan addressed a large meeting of electors at Carterton last nigbc. A cordial vote of bhanks was carried unanimously. The Egmonb ,l Sebtler " says Mr George Hutchison's speech at Hawera was more verbose and full of special pleading than usual with even Mr Hutchison, and when reduced to bare facts conbained libble bo satisfy a thoughtful elector. Mr Morgan Carkeek is mentioned as a probable candidate for Otaki. Sir P. Buckley has returned. The Hon. Mr Reeteß is expected here to-day.