THE WAIRARAPA ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 275, 20 November 1899, Page 3

THE WAIRARAPA ELECTION.

Mr Coleman Phillips and; Mr J. T. M. Hornsbj', two professed Liberals, are playing the opposition game in the Wairarapa for the benefit of Mr Buchanan; the ex-member for the district. In a.recent advertisement Mr Phillips hangs his political boots on a tree and dares Mr Hornsby to pull them down. He wants Mr Hornsby to attend a meeting and there reply to certain charges of '-political tunicoatism." llornsby's reply is not to hand.

I had a conversation to-day with Mr Kirk, one of the candidates _or Wellington Suburbs, on ; Lie' subject of his disagreement with the Ministry. It seems, from what he says, that in 1896, when Ministers desired to run Mr C. Wilson for the Suburbs, Mr Kirk, who had been a long- time resident in the district, and closely connected with its interests, had previously announced himself. .Mr Wilsoit was practically an outsider, and unknown in the district, and without the Ministerial backing had small chance of being returned. At this stage the Hon. J. McKenzie stepped in, and induced Mr Kirk to withdraw in favour of Mr Wilson, promising to do what lay in his power to assist him in any future election. Mr Kirk not only made way for Mr Wilson, but worked actively to secure his return, and was personally thanked by the Minister of Lands for his generosity. When it became publicly known that Mr Chas. Wilson had no intention of seeking re-election, Mr Kirk at once entered the field against allcomers. When he reminded the Government of the promise made by the Minister of Lands, he was told that the pledge was fulfilled by the support given to him in the contest for the city against Mr Duthie. It is believed that in the Ministerial "Selection of Mr Wilford the choice was mainly influenced by consideration of the respective strength".of the support of the two men, the belief being that Mr Wilford's chances again St Dr. Newman are superior to those of Mr Kirk. The "Evening Post" laments the; lack of any organised plan of campaign in .the Opposition Interests. It suggests that the Premier should be followed by a competent speaker from platform to platform. Mr C. M. Luke, in i*esponse to a requisition signed by 1500 electors, definitely decided this morning to contest a seat in Wellington City in the Ministerial interest. The other Ministerial candidate is-Mr Kennedy Macdonald.