THE GENERAL ELECTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7977, 17 June 1887, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTION

[by telegbaph.—own correspondent.]

Wellington, Thursday. It is said here that Mr. Matson is to oppose Mr. Garrick in St. Albans. It is also said that failing Mr. Peter Cunningham coming forward to oppose Sir J. Vogel another candidate will be found.

The new electoral district which Wellington is to obtain will cut off a portion from Te Aro, and & piece off the Foxton electorate will be added to Thorndon. The southern portion of the present Foxton district will probably be joiued to South Wellington. It is said the alteration will affect Mr. Flsher'e district to such an extent that he may eleut to htand for the newly defined electorate. Mr. A. W. Brown, formerly Mayor of Wellington, is said to aspire to the representation of tbe Wellington new dietrict. Mr. Duthie, a loading business man, has been asked to oppose Mr. Fraaer in Te Aro, but has declined. I learn that Mr. Walter Johneton has also declined. Mr. Fraser does not appear to have obtained any great influence on either side of the House since ho has sat in Parliament. I learu that the Government intend to put up Mr. C R. Luke against him. Mr. Luke is an iron founder and engineer, and one of the largest employers ot labour in Wellington. He describes himself as neithar a Freetrader or Protectionist, but a fair trader. I learn from a good source that the Boundary Commission have had conauierable difficulty in distributing the Canterbury scats after the abstraction of the one seat which Canterbury was bound to lose ; but the clause in the Act which provides that they are to adhere as closely as possible to existing boundaries, and the excision of the MaoIveuzio appeal clause haa enabled them to solve many difficulties which had been otherwise insoluble. They are overwhelmed with recommendations, and where these recommendations proceed from adjacent districts, and indicate an agreement as to alterations that would be convenient and fair for all parties concerned, these recommendations will be considered.

I understand that nearly the whole of the West Coast electorates between Wellington aud New Plymouth have undergone a remarkable change since the last distribution of seats. The population haa shifted from boundary to boundary, so that some of the constituencies have become populous, while the population of the neighbouring oloctoratohas diminished. Major Atkinson's, Colonel Trimble's, Mr. McArthur's, Mr. Bruce'n, and Mr. Bryce's constituencies have beeu affected in this manner. These gentlemen have, I believe, gone into the whole question of the representation of these districts, and upon a "mutual givii and take" principle hiive made recommendations which will probably be confirmed by the commissioners. Although the boundaries of these electorates may be slightly altered, it is thought probable that their relative influence will be matoriallv affeoted.

Some special attention is caused hero by an alleged "'new policy " to be propounded by Sir George Grey in all the centres of the colony, I had a conversation with Sir George Grey upon the subject thin morning. I cannot say that I was very successful in getting at the " heart of the political mystery." Sir Georgo, at the same timo that ha excused himsolf for refusing to make public his polioy (whether new or old), told me that he did intend to make an effort to extricate the colony from its present critical position, that he would visit the large centres of population to express his views immediately after the Ministers had disclosed clieir platform. Sir George Grey will first discloso his "new policy" to the electors of Auckland East as soon as they can make arrangements to hear him. I have some reason to believe that Sir George has a patriarchal leaning towards tho young politicians whom the political hurly-burly of the next three months will throw up to the surface. Political small fowl have found protection aud comfort under his wing before their eventual success, when weaned by the force of circumstances, and fed with the aolid gratifications of office. I really believe that Sir George Grey means something more than a new policy, which may prove a very attractive bait for youny ambition. He says that, where the ministers go he shall follow, and place before the olectora of tha colony hia view of the political situation.

There is a rumour abroad which' wellinformed people tell me is something more than a rumour, and have, 1 am assured, good authority to back it. It is to the effect that should Ministers be defeated, or if Sir Julius Vogel himself be defeated in his candidature for a seat in the Bouse of Representatives, ho will in all probability return to England.

[BY TELKGRAPH. —PKKSS ASSOCIATION.]

Christchdrch, Thursday

The platform of the new political association is advertised this morning. Its planks are :—Substantial retrenchment, fair taxation, encouragement of local industries, and united Canterbury. Tbe working committee coneiste of influential electors, principally from tho Christchurch and suburban electorates.

Mr. Moss invitee his constituents to meet him this (Friday) evening,

Mr. E. Hamlln intimates his intention of being a candidate for re-election for Franklio South.

Mr. W. P. Moat has announced himself as a candidate for re-election for tho district of Rodney.

It is understood that Mr. John Lundon will contest the Bay electorate with Mr. ffobba.

Mr. Waddel is likely to contest City West if he receive a sufficiently strong requisition.

There ia a probability of Mr. Adam Porter retiring from tho contest for Eden if Mr. Reader Wood will come forward against Mr. Tole.

A telegram was received yesterday from Sir Georgo Grey stating that he will arrive in Auckland on Monday next.

Mr. Hodge has decided to stand for the new seat, which will be allotted in Auckland suburbs. He is only awaiting a description of the boundaries of the new electorate, in order to make a definite announcement.

There is likely to be a hot contest for Parnell, Mr. Seymour George having determined to again contest the eeat with Mr. F. J. Moss.

It is understood that Mr. E. Lake will not offer himself for Waipa at the elections, unless solicited to do so by the electors, considering his letter to Mr. J. Fieher of March last an unconditional retirement.

Mr. Mitchelson has now definitely made up his mind to become a candidate for one of the city electorates, but will not formally announce himself until the readjusted boundaries aro made public. . It i«, of course, understood that the list of constituencies to which the offer of Mr. Mitchelson's services will be restricted does not include City East, for which, by common consent, Sir George Grey will be returned unopposed.