LIBERALISM.

Hastings Standard, Issue 99, 20 August 1896, Page 3

LIBERALISM.

[To the Editor.] Sir,—Your leader to-night struck a chord when it pointed out that while the National Association is doing such good work the Liberal party are not alive to their own interests, and not even organising in view of the coming election. While admitting that Captain Russell io a gentleman, I cannot go the length of saying that he is a politician ; and it is a positive certainty that he is not strong enough to lead the House. If a new Ministry were formed it would have to make Sir Robert Stout its Premier with our member as Treasurer and Minister of Defence. Now, as the senior member for Wellington has proved himself to be thoroughly inconsistent in politics as in religion and everything else, he cannot hope to have the confidence of a majority o£ the House. Indeed, it is very doubtful whether he will be returned at all at the next election. With the present Conservatives there is not even a hope that they will be strong enough to obtain office before the miilenium, and it therefore behoves all Liberals to try and strengthen the present Administration as much as possible. For my own part I would favor a labor candidate for this district, but in the event of a suitable candidate not coming forward from their ranks, I would suggest that a meeting of all friends of the Liberal cause be called at as early a date as possible to take into consideration the bringing out of a Liberal candidate for Hawke's Bay. —I am, &c., Electob. Hastings, August 10, 1890.