THE LIBERAL PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 243, 13 October 1902, Page 5

THE LIBERAL PARTY.

A WELLINGTON OPINION

<By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

A prominent leader in Labour and Liberal circles, discussing the local political situation, admitted a cleavage in the ranks, but asserted that quite 70 per cent, of the members would remain staunch to the.Government party., It was true, he said, that the Trades and Labour Council had eliminated party politics from its discussions, yet it was still a powerful fighting machine in the interest of the party. Up to the present the Liberal and Labour Federation had not decided what three candidates would be placed on the ticket. He added, suggestively, "Don't you be surprised if one or more dark horses are rung in at the last minute who will upset all the calculations of the Conservative crowd." He also said that if necessity arises the Premier, who would win the Westland seat easily no matter what opposition was brought forwa rd, might be induced to contest Wellington City, in Which case he would assuredly, carry in with him one, if not two, Liberal candidates. Questioned whether any strictly Labour candidate would be run by the party,.my informant said, "Decidedly no. We are sick of Labour candidates. . Look at the men who have turned round oh us in the past. . A Labour candidate hasn't got a ghost of a chance of reaching the winning ipost."