Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1881. THE MANAWATU SEAT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 81, 10 June 1881, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1881. THE MANAWATU SEAT.

We understand that Mr A. F. Halcombe will shortly proceed to England, having retired from the Agency j of the Peilding Corporation, which position he has filled with so much ! credit to himself and profit to the Corporation. Mr Macarthur, the Sub-Agent, has been appointed to the position rendered vacant by the retirement of Mr Halcombe, bnt we regret to learn that one of the conditions of his appointment is that he shall not seek Parliamentary honors, on the ground that his Corporation duties require his constant attention. We notice in this connection that the Manawatu Standard says Mr Macarthur was appointed Mr Halcombe's successor "on the distinct proviso that he does not take part in politics." This statement is not correct, as if true Mr Macarthur would be prohibited from supporting auy candidate, sitting in the County Council, or taking seats on any of the local governing bodies, and we have been requested by Mr Macarthur to contradict it. We exceedingly regret that Mr Macarthur will be unable to contest Manawatu. His return would have been assured, as there is a feeling throughout the entire county (and we say this advisedly) that he is both as regards ability and integrity the best man thnb could have been elected. His extensive knowledge of local government, and his experience in the settlement of the Manchester block, marked him as one who, if returned to Parliament, would speedily have made his mark in the House.and been selected by any party to which he allied himself for a portfolio. However, circumstances have altered, and we are sure that while congratulating Mr Macarthur upon his promotion many electors will join with us in re gretting that his services cannot be secured by the electors as their re presentative. . We may also mention that a gentleman who has just re turned from Wellington informs us that Mr Johnston assured him he intends to contest Manawatu at the general election. Now Mr Halcombe is going Home, and Mr Macarthur is prohibited from contesting the seat, Mr Johnston may stand a chance of being returned, but only a bare one. His sucoess or otherwise will entirely depend on who opposes him. He will meet with bitter opposition in all quarters of the district, especially in Fetiding and Palmerston, while numbers of his chief supporters in the South Manawatu declare themselves opposed to his return again. However, as we have hinted, his strength may lie in the weakness of his opponents, though we shall be surprised if he secures a seat for Manawatu.