THE GENERAL ELECTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7975, 15 June 1887, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

[by TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Tuesday. I learn from enquiry made to-day, ' that the Boundary Commissioners will have concluded their labours in about a week, and that the results of their deliberations will probably be Gazetted on the 23rd instant. It has been stated that they have finished their work in respect of the North Island, and that they are now engaged in determining the boundaries of the new electorates in the South Island. I learn on equally good authority that they have finished with the South Island, and are now engaged in fixing the limits of the North Island electorates. There appears to be a great desire to keep the deliberation of tho commissioners quite secret; nevertheless, it is publicly stated that several members have left Wellington thoroughly informed of the boundaries of the new districts in which these members are likely to be interested. I doubt the statement, for it casts a rather serious imputation upon the members of the commission, who are very uulikoly to break faith with each other in such a matter as this; and the officials of the SurveyorGeneral's Department would hardly $dare to be guilty of any premature disclosures. There is no doubt, however, that the inquiries made by members likely to be affected ate eager and numerous. The same answer has beau given to each inquirer— that the department is bound to secrecy, and nothing can be known until the boundaries shall have been duly published by authority. Ministers are busy winding up the business of their departments. It is said that an effort will be made to induce Mr. P. Cunningham to contest the seat for Christchurch with Sir Julius Vogel. It appears to be understood by some political speculators that Sir John Hall will have a walk over for Selwyn if ho chooses to stand, but Sir John Hall's intention to stand is not absolutely certain. It is affirmed by some that in the event of the defeat of the present Ministry he would be called to the Legislative Council, and that his experience would be more usefully employed in the Upper Chamber of the Legislature. It was upon the condition that ho would consent to come forward for Selwyn that Mr. 10. Wakefield proposed to retire. Mr. Wakefield is now spoken of as a candidate for the Hutt in opposition to Mr. Fitzherbert (the sitting member), and Mr. Mason, an oxmember for that constituenc}'. Mr. Allan McDonald left Wellington today to canvass the East Coast, from which Mr. Locke retires. It was stated here some time ago that Major Atkinson would retire from Egmont and stand for Nelson, where he has gone to reside, but Major Atkinson informed a friend of mine that he would sit for Egmont as lone* a 8 the electors there would have him, and tho prospect of his standing for any other constituency has not yet arisen. Some people say that Mr. Felix McGuire will be a strong opponent, but that the electors of Egmont will stand by the Major at the hustings. The strength of Mr. McGuire ib in the support of local bodies. The report is still persistent that Sir Julius Vogel will oppose Mr. Fisher in South Wellington, Wellington is to have an additional constituency, but how far the boundaries of the new district will affect those of the older ones is not known, so that nothing can be said as to the aspirants for political honour who may claim the suffrages of the electors. Sir George Grey is to address the electors of Auckland East shortly. He is a passenger by the Mararoa, which goes North on Friday. He proposes to address the various constituencies in various parts of the colony. It is said that he will propound a new policy of his own, but I am informed on good authority that this statement is not strictly accurate. He will certainly oppose the claims put forward by the Premier and hi? Ministers to govern the country again. The refusal of Mr. Hesketli to stand for Eden is a disappointment to the Opposition. It is said that a strong man will be found to try conclusions with the Minister of Justice. The name of Mr. Header Wood is mentioned as a suitable opponent. It appears to me, however, that a good deal of the speculation that is now rife resembles tho process of " counting chickens before they are hatched." The results of the labours of the Boundary Commissioners are awaited with considerable anxiety, for the prospects of some candidates will be altogetner changod if not absolutely reversed. Wellington, Tuesday. Mr. W, McCardle, the candidate for Wairarapa North, addressed the electors last night. He advocates a protective policy, and a system of retrenchment. He announced himself a staunch supporter of the Stout Government. Duxedin, Tuesday* Mr. J, Gore, the sitting member, is definitely out for Dnnedin South. From the rate at which enrolment is proceeding in the office of Mr. Collins, it would seem as if the people were thoroughly aroused to the need of their taking an active interest in political affairs, or that intending candidates were vigorously pulling the strings in the way of getting their friends put in a position to vote. A great many of the claims are being tilled up in an irregular manner, according to the reading of the registration officer. The name, address (or rather the residence) and occupation of the claimant should be inserted, and beneath should be the signature of the claimant, which signature should be attested by the registration officer. The way in which tho schedule to tho Act is drawn out is in fault, as there should be a line and the words "signature of applicant." Wo understand that Mr. Collins is not rejecting claims in which the flame is written by the applicant, but the ■ signature omitted, but is having them amended where possible. It would be well, however, if persons engaged in the preparation of claims would keop this point in view. About 200 claims are received every day. It will be seen from an advertisement in another column that Mr. Thomas Peacock is a candidate for election to the House of Representatives for such portion of the Newton district as shall under the new Representation Act embrace Ponsonby. Mr. Joaiah Hudson, of Ngatotara, Kaipara Flats, announces his intention of standing for the Rodney district in tho House of Representatives. It is stated that some persona have been engaged for some time past in putting on the roll lor Eden every person supposed to be favourable to Mr. Tole. If this is so, it is clear that Mr. Tole intends to stand again, and to mako a hard fight for his place.