THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2396, 7 December 1881, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

I PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS. J WANGANUI, December 6. Mr Watt, a candidate for the Wanganui seat, addressed a large meeting of the electors last evening, A vote of confidence and an amendment of no confidence were proposed. The amendment was carried by 120 to 117. DUNEDIN, December 6. Mr Reeves has retired from the City East contest. D. Miller has retired from the Boslyn contest.

[fbom the own cobbesponbent op thb “ PRESS.”] WELLINGTON, December 6. All the Wellington elections are being most hotly contested, and it is very difficult to predict results. Mr Devin is deemed certain to beat Dwan for Thorndon, but the latter has pulled up very much lately, and some think he will even yet run Mr Levin hard. For Te Aro, Mr Shaw has been greatly strengthened by withdrawal of Price,and is now favorite in the betting. He is the moat opposition of the three, Stafford, who is thought to have second chance, being inde pendent, and Johnston (brother of the Post-master-General), the Ministerial candidate, being rather too late in the field. For South Wellington the contest will be very severe. Mr Hutchison, the ultra-Greyite candidate, who was at first thought quite safe, is now looked on as almost sure to be beaten by either Mr Edwards (partner of the late Mr Moorhouse), or Mr Ooffey. The former is Ministerial, and the latter independent. Mr Mason (Government) and Mr Jackson (independent) will probably have a sharp struggle for the Hutt seat, which each ha* now won alternately from the other. Dr, Duller (independent) is the favorite among the six Foxton candidates, Wilson or Bussell (both Government) coming next. Mr Beetham (Government) is expected to beat Mr Bennall (Opposition) for Wairarapa North. Mr Bunny (Government) is thought to have a fair chance against Mr Buchanan and Mr Boyes for Wairarapa South, though the fight will be a very keen one, chiefly on the great rabbit question. Sir W. Fox is not looked on as too safe for Bangitikei, Mr Stevens being regarded as a very dangerous opponent. For Manawatu and Waitotara, Messrs Johnston and Bryce have already been returned unopposed, Lastly Mr Ballanoe (Opposition) and Mr Watt (Government) are likely to have a hard fight for Wanganui, and the result is exceedingly doubtful. ■ At present it does not seem probable that any pronounced Oppositionist will be returned for Wellington provincial constituency, but that the majority will bo professedly independent with Ministerial leaning.