Untitled

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9499, 19 August 1896, Page 5

Mr E. 6. Wright has decided not to stand for Geraldine, and Mr A. E. G. Rhodes will contest it. It is believed by those best able* to judge that he has every prospect of being , returned by a good majority. Mr Wright's many friends hope that he will be induced to come forward for Ashburton, where it ia belioved he would be elected with very little trouble. Mr Waaon should hold hie own district—now the Selwyn—against all_ comers, notwithstanding the fact that Mr Saunders and Mr McLochlan are well backed up by their respective allies, the prohibitionists ond the licensed victuallers.- ' [By Tklbgeaph.] (from oue Bpeolal ciorbbsfqv'dxnt.) WELLINGTON, August 18.. Great pressure is being brought to bear 00 1 Messrs Duthie and Mitchelson not to retire , from polities, -and, notwithstanding Mr Mitehi—son's valedictory address and Mt Duthie's determination to forsake the poty- ' tical arena, I expect to Bee both these mem- ' bers once more in the.lists at tbe general election. Mr Mitchelson, however, has gone so far in regard to forsaking his present constituency (Eden) that , ho may now have to stand for Auckland city. The Opposition have a number of strong mon coming out, and are parti* .' cularly strong in the North- Island. A big . fight is expected between Mr Lang and the Hon. Mr Cadman for Waikato, Mr Lang's friends say he can easily.win ,the seat, but X expect the battle will bo tougher than they anticipate. Colonel Fraser (the Sergeant-at- . Arms) is , not likely, to be in the, next Parliament, as tbe new const!* * tuency for. which he . will stand .I" almost certain to return an. Opposition man. It is rumoured to-day that Mr Wilfbrd- • will oppose Dr. Newman for, Otiaki. .Mr T. Bryce is mentioned as a probable candidal* for Rangitikei on the independent ticket. The Marton Mercury, in answer to per* ' sistent rumours as to the Hon. John, Bryce, ', says it has , good' authority for stating that no inducement whatever will brity** , him forward for any oonptituaney. ". Mr J. Havkness is stated to be e> candidate for the Egmont seat,. Th* contest for the Western Maori electorate will be keenly fought. Tho Bitting member(Mr Ropata Te Ao),. Mr. Aohou Nioholson and Major Kemp have definitely decided to contest the seat, and one" or two Northern Maoris are also coming' fo.-Ward. - The favourite candidates are Major Kemp,and Mr Nicholson. Mr A. D. Willis denies that. be has-been offered a seat in the Legislative Council, and states - his intention of ing the Wanganui seat. (PBJBSS ASSOOTATXOir TKUiaRAH.) • WELLINGTON, August 18. It is stated that Mr H. D. Bell will not *." seek re-election for tho city, and thst Sir Robert Stout, Mr J. Duthie and Mr A. & . Menteith will stand in the interest of the Opposition. Mr A R. Atkinson is likely to be a candidate for the city.