BAY OF PLENTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9368, 27 November 1893, Page 5

BAY OF PLENTY.

RETIREMENT OF COLONEL FRASER.

COLONEL BURTON'S CHANCES GREATLY IMPROVED.

[by telegraph.—own oorrespondknts.] Taurancja, Saturday. The news that Colonel Eraser had retired from the contest for this electorate came to-day rather as a surprise, it being thought more likely that Mr. Kelly would have been the retiring candidate. Colonel Eraser was looked on as Colonel Burton's strongest opponent, and his retirement is likely rather to strengthen than to weaken Colonel Burton's chance. There are rumours of inducements being held out for other candidates to retire in the interest of the Liberal nominee, bub Colonel Burton's position is so assured that his friends here feel no anxiety as to the resulb of the poll on Tuesday.

Thames, Saturday. The retirement of Colonel Eraser from the contest for the Bay of Plenty seat has caused great disappointment to his supporters at this end of that electorate, the majority of them aver that they will now give their support to Colonel Burton, so that the hitter's chance of election has been considerably increased. The Thames Star to-night in dealing with the subject says : — " The effect of Colonel Fraser's retirement will unquestionably be not to improve the prospects of Mr. Kelly, but rather to assist the candidature of Colonel Burton and the Rev. Mr. Jordan. The majority of Colonel Eraser's friends and supporters openly declare that they will now help Colonel Burton even though he is an Opposition candidate, as he has for years taken a prominent part in the development of the mining industry in this district, and is a gentleman of known probity and outspoken in his opinions."

Pakroa, Saturday. Colonel Burton had a splendid meeting last evening, Mr. Edwards presiding. A large number of ladies were present.and the candidate made a good impression. Avots of confidence and thanks was carried as an amendment to a vote of thanks by a largo majority. Colonel Burton will greatly benefit by the retirement of Colonel Fraser, many of whose committeemen are now in favour of Colonel Burton—indeed his chance here is now a certainty.

Oi'otiki, Saturday. Mr. Kelly addressed a crowded meeting last night. A great number of questions were put to him. A vote of confidence was submitted to the meeting, but the chairman declined to declare it carried.