Political Brevities.

Hastings Standard, Issue 162, 3 November 1896, Page 2

Political Brevities.

I lad Independent men been returned to Parliament the scandalous Banking Legislation would never have been penned.— Mr Coleman Phillips. The opening of the variety show will end in a deep tragedy for the opponents of the Liberals in this constituency.—Mr Smith at Carterton. We cannot go on borrowing for ever, and to keep on raising loans to pay our way is just like a man drinking to get sober, it must end disastrously.—Mr H. F. Eeece at Amberly. '• I am Conservative in holding to the noble traditions under which our empire has been guided to its present greatness. I am Liberal in reform of abuses, and in extending the principles of right and freedom to all."—Mr Murray Aston. Captain llussell expects a majority of six, lie says. We (Marlborough Press) shall be surprised if he does not tind himself in a minority of at least sixteen. So take it easy, Mr Seddon : at least, as easy as you can. Your country needs you for long years to come. Be warned by others' fate, and do not waste your energies in lighting windmills. I thoioughly disapprove of the loan for the purchase of Native lands. In a few years we will tind that the Maori race will be a burden on the taxpayer because his land would have been taken from him and he will have spent the money. It would be a much more statesmanlike course to compel the Maories to lease their lands, as this would give them a regular allowance, and, at the same time, tend to bring about settlement.—Mr T. E. Taylor at Cbristchurch. The Liberals were, as a rule, not overbalanced by wealth, and had to defray their own elections expenses. On the other hand, the Conservative candidates could apply to the National Association for assistance, as proved by the payment of .£lO9 7s lid by the Association towards the Conservative candidate's election in the Christchurch bye election.—Mr Meredith at Ashley. The burdens had really been taken off the small landowners to the extent of .£70.000 a year and put on the large landowners, and that was why there was such a cry from the Conservatives. The Liberal Government was the best friend the farmers ever had.—Mr M'Keague at Ashburton.

Wellington, This day. Mr .T. Hutcheson. the Labor candidate, addressed a large meeting at the Opera House last night. He said lie had 110 ilesire to enter politics, hut holding that it was necessary labor should he represented he came forward in the interests of his fellow-workers. 'The question resolved itself into one of Seddou or liussell, and while he would be a loyal supporter of the present Government, which he thought would be the Government of the future, he would not be a servile follower. Party government, he thought, had its faults, but until the country was educated up to an Elective Executive, party government must continue. He was opposed to Prohibition by a bare majority and also to the Private Benefit Societies Bill, but favored an old age pension scheme. He was well received, and at the conclusion a unanimous vote of confidence was carried, three cheers being given. There is a probability of Mr Duthie reconsidering his decision to retire from politics.