JOTTINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1260, 23 April 1896, Page 39

JOTTINGS.

The lion W. Hall-Jones, Minister of Public Works, was entertained at a Temperance banquet last week at Timaru by his constituents. Some 300 were present, about one-third being ladies, and the Mayor was in the chair. Messrs Steward, Flatman mil Madia, M’s.II.R., were present. An illuminated address of congratulation and satisfaction at Mr Hall-Jones 1 appointment as a Cabinet Minister was presented. The speeches were all personal and congratulatory, politics being avoided, except general references as to the effect of tho women's franchise in making such a mingling of the sexes possible at a political banquet. Captain Ituss'-ll addressed a meeting of settlers at Waiuku, and received a good reception and a vote of thanks. The Colonial Treasurer left for the South on Friday afternoon on his way to Gore, where, at the request of the committee, ho was cn Wednesday to perform the ceremony of opening the Gore Industrial Exhibition. The Minister of Railways has returned from To Arolia considerably benefited in health. It is stated that Mr J. C. Puckland, who was defeated for Taicri at tho last election, will again be a Candida' o for the scat.

Mr O’Kogan, M.U.K., delivered an address at Plack Point last week, and received a hearty vote of thanks ami confidence, lie strongly favoured an elective Ministry and tho Referendum, a policy of Free Trade, and direct taxation. The unemployed difficulty was, he said, due to flic artificial scarcity of land, the result of the system of ignoring natural rights. Mr O’Kogan announced that lie would stand against all comers at the next election.

Mr 11. Graham, Mayor of Arrow-town, will oppose Mr Fraser, the ratting member for Wakatipu. Mr 11. S. Valentino, ex-member for Tuapeka, is spoken of as a likely candidate lor Wallace. The Chairman of the Waitaki County Council, Mr 1). Sutherland, is mentioned as n probable candidate for Oamaru. Tho Premier lias received a numerously and iniluentially-signed requisition to address a public; meeting at Petone, and will speak there on one day next week. In response to another requisition, the Premier will deliver an address at Greytown on Monday next. The Christchurch Star says it is likely that the Hon J. McKenzie will he asked to deliver an address either at liangiora or Oxford shortly.

Captain Russell lias been pleased to announce at Auckland that if tho Opposition got into power they would not interfere with the land and income tax or Ihe labour legislation of the present Government. Seeing that they have already lo a very great extent approved of the land policy of the Government, the question naturally suggests itself, in what important direction can the Opposition claim to improve upon tho political platform of the present administration ?—Manawatu Standard.

It is stated that Mr Ernest Kugster, a wellknown resident of Auckland, will contest Auckland City at the next election on independent lines. Mr W. W. Tanner, M.11.R. for Avon, addressed his constituents on Monday, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr J. J. Ramsay announces that he will contest the Waiheino seat at the general election.

Mr J. C. Puckland, who was mentioned for the Taicri seat, lias decided not to stand. Sir Robert Stout delivered a political address at New Plymouth to a large audience, on Monday evening, and was well received. Tho speeeli was in many respects similar to that delivered at Hawera. A vote of thanks was carried by acclamation.