POLITICAL NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 232, 24 June 1908, Page 8

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE HOPES OF THE LABOUR PARTY. The article entitled "Maori Land Muddle," which appeared in yesterday's Dominion, was referred to tho Native .Minister .(tho Hon. J. Carroll) by a reporter. The Minister said that the Native Land Court would hold a sitting in a month's time, notice of which would bo duly gazetted. In regard to the point raised in the articb, that difficulty had been experienced in setting portions of Native land apart for salo and leasing, he said that most of the areas had been found easy to deal with, but in others it had been more difficult. Thero wore cases in which it was obviously to tho advantage of the owners to leaso wholly or sell out, and 011 this matter tho Commission should havo a discretionary power. An amending Bill would bo necessary, but it was not anticipated that a comprehensive measure would have to bo introduced.

Labour is hopeful of gaining enough seats at tho general election to form a small but solid party in tho new House. Opinion in local Labour circles is that there is a chance, 'of Wellington Central and Wellington I Suburbs being won by tho party's candidates. At Auckland the prospccts are not thought to be so bright, but Mr. Way or Mr. Rosser, of Auckland, may stand for Ohincnniri, which as a mining district (it includes AYaihi) may be expected to give strong support to a Labour candidate. In Christchurch and Dunediii Labour is confident of scoring" some victories, and it is rumoured that Mr. A. R, Barclay, the sitting member for Duncdin North,, is. prepared to take tho Independent Labour pledge. ' Whether Mr. J. F. Arnold (Duncdin Central) will do likewise is regarded a'o matter for' speculation. Altogether tho Ln.bour party appears to think it may send,about half-a-dozen members to the next Parliament.

Mr. D. H. Guthrie, who lias announced his intention of contesting tho Oroua electorate in tho Opposition 'interest, has been, a farmer for tho last 11 years. Before that ho wa3 a State school teacher. 110 is a useful member of the AVanganui Education Board. Ho' has been- for several years a member of tho Oroua County Council. Mr. Guthrie is prominent in tho Farmers' Union being a member of the Executive. Ho has boon chairman of tho Rangiwahia Dairy Company since its establishment, and has taken tho load in several matters of importance to the district. Mr. It. R. Martin, the Opposition organiser, after visiting tho Oroua electorate, goes on. to tho AVaipawa and Pahiatua electorates. Ho will speak at AA'oodvillo 011 Friday night, ' There is every probability of four candidates contesting tho Mastorton seat at next election (says tho "Manawatu Standard") — Mr. J. Yarr, a member of tho. Mastorton Borough Council, who is a forceful speakor, announces himself 'as an Independent Labour candidate. Messrs: AA r . B. Mat-hicson, wellknown in connection with Farmors' Union matters, and J. Hunter aro almost corttin to be nominated. Mr. Hogg, tho present member, will also be a candidate.