Election Prospects.

Hastings Standard, Issue 164, 5 November 1896, Page 4

Election Prospects.

Sir Robert -Stout, interviewed by the Dnnc-din Star on the prospects of the approaching election, stated that lie did not think that the Ministry expocti d to win in the North Island; t• i• v expected defeat there, lie heard that their most favorable expectation was only a. majority of some four votes, lie was certain that in the North Island, at all events, the Ministry will find themselves next December in a minority of from >i\ to eight. The only (jiiestion is : What would happen ni Canterbury and From what he could gather the Ministry was weaker both in Canterbury and Otapo. There would be seats won by Independent Liberals which were last year held by Ministerialists. He thought. therefore, that the Ministry could not stand after the new election. As to the Prohibitionists, Sir Robert thought there would be a majority returned to the newHouse favorable to temperance reform. With reference to flie number of candidates declared, Sir Robert said : —ln many constituencies there is more than one Opposition candidate. This fact is of itself of importance, as showing a wonderful change in public opinion. At the last general election the Ministerial candidates were much more numerous than the Opposition ones. Many now feel how the wind is blowin-, and the}' are trimming their sails ac -nrdingly. There are numerous Independents also. Any man of very independent mind, and sincerely desirous of seeing the Democracy a success, can hardly remain a Ministerialist-. Many who came into the House strong Srddonians have become Independents in sp'te of themselves. Others, again, would like to declare themselves, but they are afraid to do so. Some cannot walk alone : they must lean on some one. and that explains their attitude. As to the Liberal policy, that bad been already abandoned. "What will happen will be that many Independent Liberals will be returned, and there will be a change in our administrators."