THE LATEST VIEWS FROM WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8063, 26 September 1887, Page 5

THE LATEST VIEWS FROM WELLINGTON.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Saturday. SIR J, VOGKIi AND THE OPPOSITION. The following singular story is related of the progress of the Colonial Treasurer through Palmersfcon North on his way to Napier. Mr. West has been recognised- on all sides as the Ministerial candidate for Manawatn. lie has been so regarded not only by electors, bat tho direct friends of the Ministers, and I believe by on me members of the Government. It was natural that the Government supporters should unite to give Sir J. Vogel'a cordial welcome on his approach to the chief town of the district. It was natural that Mr. Went, as mayor, should head a deputation to Sir Jalius upon his arrival. The deputation waited upon the Treasurer, and congratulated him in the usual commonplace forms. Yon may judge of the surprise of the gentleman forming the deputation (according to report) to be told that Sir Jalius was not a supporter of Mr. West, but that he was a supporter of Mr. Macarthur. It is further stated that the reception of the deputation was from the first as cold as possible. This little contretemps produces hero, as well as in Masterton, a plentiful crop of speculation. As for myself, I find it very difficult to believe that the story is in all respects correct, but the Ministry have done such extraordinary' things daring this election campaign, that ordinary minds like mine cannot even approach to a comprehension of the reasons for them. It is said by the correspondent who sands the intelligence that " the circumstance is considered very significant in local political circles as foreshadowing new combinations after the elec" tions." VARIOUS ELECTORATES. The fight in Wairarapa between Mr. Bunny and Mr. Buchanan resembles the contest in Duuedin East in this respect, that it cannot be known who is likely to win until the numbers are up. 1 hear this afternoon that Mr. Dodson, the Opposition candidate for the Wairau seat (Marlborough) has counted heads, and is exceedingly likely to bo returned. It appnais that Mr. Bennett is causing some anxiety to the supporters of Mr. J. C. Brown ii Tuapeka. It is alleged that the supporters of the latter had been induced to represent their candidate as Ministerialist on oae side of the electorate and Oppositionist on the other. The Roman Catholics have declared against him to a man, and it is broadly stated that the anathema of " Bell, Book, and Caudle," was pronounced against him last Sunday. Mrs. J. (3. Brown has, in her husband's absence, entered the field with a spirited address, and a lecture to the Premier. It is not thought that Mr. Bennett will win, but ha has become dangerous. Mr. 089, I hear, is still safe for Rosiyn. Mr. John Keid, of Elderslie, is likely to defeat Mr. Duncan for Waitaki.

Mr. Barron has made a most effective freetrade speech in Caversham, which was thoroughly acceptable to the electors, and ho is therefore certain to be returned.

I also understand that Mr. Mackenzie is running Mr. Thomson very hard in Clutha, and that Mr. Hodge will not be entirely destitute in Mount Ida. I hear of other changes in the general features of the campaign, but I do not attach much importance to them. There is always a spasm of apprehension just before going into action, ■ In Wellington nothing is thought of but canvassing. A correspondent, writing from Dunedin, says that Sir Robert Stout's supporters are confident of a large majority, but is afraid they are woefully deceived. The Hon. Mr. Larnach is now certain of beiny returned. Mr. McUuim has apologised for the language used by him in respect of the Roman Catholic priest at Hawera. The Hon. Mr. Richardson is now safe for Kaiapoi.