WELLINGTON NOTES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9668, 5 March 1897, Page 5

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By Telegraph.)

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, March 4. Mr R. C. Kirk definitely announces his candidature for Wellington suburbs, in the interest of the present Government. It is believed that he possesses the favour of the Premier. He had at first refused to announce himself until all the probable candidates should have presented thoir claims. Something must have forced his hand, for several candidates are mentioned, although uuanaounced. Mr C. Wilson claims, I understand, that he has an express promi.e of tho Government support from the Minister of Lands, and upon tho strength of that promise has been canvassing the electors. The more ardent opponents of the Government in the electorate affect to see a "split" in the above political relationship and a possible •• split" even in tbe Cabinet. It is thought that Mr Hislop would have even now a good chance of being returned if he went to the poll. I am told that between 1500 and 1600 electors declined to vote at the last election. The treatment Mr Hislop received the other night at Petone has ** hardened up " these electors, and they would now nearly all vote for an Opposition candidate. The district is a very long aud straggling one, extending from Foxtou to Island Bay. The temperance people, I understand, would like to see Mr Bulkley, a Welliugton surgeon dentist, come forward. He is Mayor of Karori. A rumour is in circulation that is hardly credible on any view of the facts. It is, that Mr Wilford is not disqualified inasmuch as the election petition Judge made no judicial pronouncement upon his conduct, and that the Government will run him again. Many people think the " early session "is becoming more problematical every day. They appear to see a balance of discontent which will upset all arrangements that may be made. Many of Mr Seddon's supporters declare their belief that he will not go Home. The idea is that whatever is done, or to be done, Mr Seddon shall have the sole responsibility of it.