POLITICS AND POLITICIANS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1136, 8 December 1893, Page 40

POLITICS AND POLITICIANS.

SIR R. STOUT’S COMMITTEES’ SOCIAL. The members of Sir Robert Stout’s late election committees and their friends were entertained by Lady Stout at a “ social ” in the Skating Rink on Friday. Fully 1000, people were present. A short concert took place, the programme being contributed by Misses Randall, Dugdale, Myers, Mrs Moore, Messrs Clothier, Mack, Rayner, Jones, Churchward and Jupp’s String Rand. Most of the performers were loudly applauded. After the concert, Sir Robert Stout, who was greeted with loud cheers, delivered a short speech, saying that he thought the gathering of ladies was sufficient to show that a change had come over politics, and was, he hoped, an indication of a new era of political life. He thanked the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed to the concert, and suggested that election speeches would be much better if interspersed with music. The cause of feeling between people was their want of knowledge of one another, and those we disagreed with were generally found, on closer acquaintance, to be much better than they had seemed. Difference of opinion was good, as it tended to sharpen people up, and keep them to the mark, but all should cultivate social virtues, which were the foundation of all true greatness. From what he had seen, he felt sure of the good feeling which existed amongst the citizens of Wellington, and on behalf of himself and his wife he thanked the many friends he had met during the contest. He would never fail to realise that he was a representative of Wellington, and not of 6000 odd electors only, and that all should strive to make the Colony and people better and happier. Three cheers were given for Sir Robert Stout, and three more for Lady Stout. After refreshments, dancing was commenced, the music being supplied by Jupp’s Sti’ing Band. The “social” was a distinct success, and proved a fitting and pleasant termination to a hard-fought campaign.

During the evening, Mr J. W. Poynton presented Mr A. H. Logan, the general secretary of committees, with an address, which read as follows: —“Wellington, Ist December, 1893. A. H. Logan, Esq.—Dear sir, —We feel that we would be remiss in our duty did we not express to you our appreciation of your efforts in the recent election contest. your unrelaxed exertions, untiring energy, and unswerving fidelity to the cause of our candidate, much of the successful result is due. We therefore offer this evidence of our feelings in recognition of your services. We are, yours sincerely, J. B. Poynton, chairman executive committee; J. B. Mack, chairman Newtown committee; Will Lambert, chairman Thorndon committee ; J. P. Campbell, chairman Lambton committee; Janet Plimmer, chairwoman ladies’ committee.” Mr Logan briefly returned thanks.

AN EARLY SFSSION. With regard to the question of an early session of Parliament, the Auckland Star has the following: —“We shall believe in the call for an early session when it has been made, not before, and we shall be greatly surprised if Mr Seddon is hoodwinked into waiving one iota of his constitutional rights in this matter. The country has returned an emphatic vote of confidence in the present Ministry, and as the Responsible Advisers of His Excellency the Governor it is for them, and them alone, to determine when Parliament shall meet. Nothing would justify them in calling Parliament, which only rose two months ago, together again before the usual time after the expiration of the financial When it meets will lie soon enough for the House to repeal or amend any law on the Statute Book. The power of Parliament when in session is supreme, and its discretion untrammelled with regard to the time at which its decisions shall take effect. The new House, however, will, we believe, hesitate before it adopts the unusual course of repealing an Act passed by large majorities in the previous Parliament before its provisions have been put to a practical working test, and proved to be mischievous or unsatisfactory.”

MR DUTHIE’S COMMITTEES’ MUSICAL EVENING. A musical evening to meet and congratulate Mr John Duthie on his return to Parliament as a member for Wellington took place at Thomas’Hall on Monday. The hall was packed, and many had to be content with standing room. During the evening orchestral selections were given by Minifie’s string band, songs by Misses Ran dell and Trehair-Osborne, Messrs E. J. Hill and W. Haybittle, and a recitation by Mr F. W. Haybittle. Mr J. G. W. Aitken, who acted as chairman, delivered a short address, in which he congratulated Mr Duthie on his return, and Wellington generally on having elected such a useful member, as he was sure Mr Duthie would prove to be. The chairman’s remarks were supplemented by a few pithy remarks by Mr Robertson. Mr Duthie, who was received with loud applause, the band playing “ See the Conquering Hero Comes!” returned thanks in a somewhat lengthy but very interesting speech. He said that, notwithstanding the fact that his name was not on any of the tickets except that of the brewers, he was highly gratified at the very great support he had received from the working classes, which to his mind showed that a man had only to show good, sound common sense, and the people would support him. With reference to the licensed victuallers’ ticket, his name was placed there without his being asked any questions and without his being, bound in any way, his platform speeches being .taken as-the expression' of

Fraker he gathered that the teetotal vote Was about 3500, and adding shop assistants .400, it would be seen that he started the contest a long Way in arrdar of other candidates. His position at the poll showed that he must have received a larger personal support than any other candidate, and he thoroughly appreciated the fact. Mr Duthie touched upon a number of other subjects, and at the conclusion of his remarks was heartily applauded, the audience lustily singing “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.’-” .After Refreshments had been served, the rest of the evening was devoted to music.

It was rumoured during the general eleotion campaign that Mr Scobie Mackenzie, in the event of his defeat at Waihemo, would be offered the Waikouaiti seat, and that it was only on condition that another constituency would be found for him if he lost Waihemo that he undertook the contest there. Mr Mackenzie has not contradicted this rumour.

The Manawatu Farmer says that the comparatively small majority obtained by Mr J. G. Wilson in the Otaki contest makes the result of the election really a Liberal victory.

Out of 4916 electors on the rolls for the Bay of Islands, only 3029 went to the poll. A Press Association telegram from Invercargill says that the Hon Mr Richardson’s defeat for Mataura is attributed to the want of organisation. Mr Richardson himself thinks the women’s votes at Gore were the cause. In the vicinity of' the unemployed works the Government candidates got 57 votes, to 15 for the other candidate. ‘The friends and supporters of Mr H. S. Fish have decided to pay the whole of his expenses incurred in the Dunedin City election. Mr Fish was suffering on election day from the relaxed throat which prevented him from speaking on Monday night. He put in an appearance about the principal polling place in the morning, but then returned to his home. His condition is now serious, and Dr Batchelor has stated that he risks his life if he leaves his bed for some days. A full Cabinet meeting will probably be held towards the end of this week, and immediately afterwards Sir Patrick Buckley will start on his long meditated trip Home. For this purpose leave of absence will be granted him, and therefore no alteration in the •personnel of the Ministry will be necessitated.

When the returns of the Rangitikei election were announced, Messrs Stevens and Lethbridge, addressing the electors, acknowledged each others courtesy during the contest, and shook hands, amid cheers. Some newspapers appear to be extremely anxious to mould Mr Crowther’s political Aiews for him, and are describing him a member of the Opposition. Mr Crowther has declared himself a supporter of Mr Seddon, reserving to himself the right to vote against him when he does not approve of any particular measure. The newly-elected member for Nelson, Mr John Graham, is a New Zealander, and was born in Nelson. He was educated first at the Government school there, and afterwards at the Nelson College. He entered the office of Mr Wm. Rout, a wellknown business man. Mr Graham has been a member of the Nelson City Council during the last fifteen years. He persuaded the council to purchase the gas works from the Provincial Council, with the result that great profit has accrued to the local revenue. Mr Graham unsuccessfully contested the electorate of Nelson when Colonel Pitt was elected, he and Mr W. B. Acton Adams being then the defeated candidates. He is a fluent speaker and a sound Liberal of determined will. He has a large business in Nelson as a plumber and tinsmith. A young woman in the Masterton electorate (says the Wairarapa Star) had been induced by her friends to vote for Mr Harkness. Her lover, to whom she was engaged, was a strong supporter of Mr Hogg. They met at the polling booth. She persisted in her intention to vote for the Conservative man, whereupon the prospective husband remarked, “ Very well, vote for Harkness, and marry Harkness !” The engagement lias since been declared off. The lady is very well rid of a husband like that.

The candidate who received the highest number of votes at the general election on Tuesday was Sir George Grey. He and Mr Hogg, of Masterton, were the candidates who polled the highest majorities. The Post is greatly exercised in mind over a flying rumour to the effect that the Premier has been liberal in promises of seat's in the Upper House and is determined to fulfil them. Well, if such was Mr Seddon’s desire and intention, the emphatic pronouncement just made by the country in favour of the policy of his Government would afford ample justification for strengthening the Liberal vote in the Council. But as a matter of fact the

Premier during his tenure of office has not promised a seat in the Council to anyone.- There are, however, several promises of that nature made by the Ballance Government, which are as yet unf ufilled. It is just on the cards that the Post is doomed to a renewal of the affliction of spirit which fell upon it when the last appointments were made to-the Council. The full-Cabinet meets next week to decide upon the lines of policy which the Government shall take up, and although it may sorely grieve the soul of our contemporary to know it, the question of further additions to our House of Lords to prevent them any longer defeating the declared wish of the country may just possibly come upon the tapis. We are sorry to apply the scourge, but it would be more cruel still to call in question the rumour upon which our versatile friend has laboriously built up a leading article.

As one of our evening contemporaries has made a furious onslaught upon the Premier for blocking the Southern wires on Tuesday night, we may venture to offer a suggestion as to how it occurred. Certain Salvationists in the South, feeling elated on Tuesday night at the election returns which were being posted up at the local newspaper office, sent a joint message of congratulation to Mr Seddon. It was condensed into the single word “ Hallelujah.” The Premier was prompt and equally laconic with his acknowledgment. It merely read “Amen.” Hence the block and all the tears that followed. After this explanation our vespernal friend will surely apologise. Another election story from an Otaki paper is that a certain coach journeyed to a far distant part of the bush to bring a certain man down to vote, but the certain man demanded .£1 before he would journey. This was refused, and he, after much discussion, was at iength prevailed upon to enter the coach. Half way down he again demanded payment, without effect, so the coachman, seeing that he would not vote without the <£l, drove him roimd all the streets, and finally turned up at the polling booth about five minutes past six, and left the man there making various remarks. Commenting on the elections in New Zealand, the Sydney Daily Telegraph says they have resulted in the solution of two points—they have shown that the women exercised the franchise with intelligence and enthusiasm, and unmistakably expressed the decided approval of the whole Colony of the course followed by the Government in the past, and of the policy outlined for the future. With such a following Mr Seddon should occupy ah impregnable position, and how far he will use his chances and avail himself wisely of them will be matters of profound interest to the whole of Australia.

The Minister of Lands (Hon J, McKenzie) and the Minister of Education (Hon W. P. Reeves) arrived from the South by the Rotorua on Sunday. A meeting of Mr George Fisher’s supporters was held at the Club Hotel last Monday, about 35 being present. Mr J* Maginnity' presided. The chairman said that the meeting was not called to express sympathy with Mr Fisher, but rather that his admirers and others might-show in a practical manner their appreciation of his public services. Mr A. S. Paterson moved that those present form themselves into a committee to forward the object in view; that Mr J. Maginnity be chairman, and Mr J. A. N. Salmon secretary. This was seconded by Mr Tyson, and carried. An executive committee of 10 was elected to arrange for the preparation of a subscription list and other details, and to report to a future meeting. It was decided to put the lists in hand at once, and that a general canvass of the city be made—the chairman express? ing the opinion that not only supporters but persons of every side of politics would contribute. The meeting adjourned after a vote of . thanks had been passed to the chairman .

The chosen of Riccarton, Mr G, W, Russell, is a printer, and was once pro. prietor of that now defunct paper, the Cambridge News. He has also been a Wesleyan preacher. Mr Buddo, returned for Kaiapoi, is a farmer, and has been an engineer. Mr Flatman, who defeated Mr A. E. G. Rhodes for Pareora, is a storekeeper and small farmer. Mr W. S. Maslin, the member for Rangitata, is an auctioneer and commission agent. He has been for many years a local preacher in the Methodist Church. Mr James Green (Waikouaiti) has followed farming pursuits. In 1865 he retired from active business life, and settled at Woodend, in the Waited district. He lias been already in the House.