POLITICS IN THE WAIRARAPA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 30

POLITICS IN THE WAIRARAPA.

At Mr W. C. Buchanan's meeting at Greytown last Friday evening, notwithstanding that free brakes had been run from Featherston and Carterton, and everything done to get a crowded house, there was an audience of not more than half the number that was present at the Premier's meeting. Mr Buchanan's attention was principally directed in endeavouring to rebut tho Premier's speech, but he gave no indication of what tho policy of tho Opposition would be if they were in power —though he threatens us with a visit from Captain Russell. The more the merrier, as politics in tho Wairarapa have long been at a standstill, and there is every appearanco of increased interest being now aroused In his speech Mr Buchanan was compelled to admit the Russell laud business, but the mistake was that of a clerk in the Land Department, Ho was also compelled to admit the cost as stated by the Premier of tho Main Trunk Railway party, and by a misinterpretation of the Premier's language ho endeavoured to make it appear that the Premier was anxious to give a preference to the white shearers over tin: Natives. As to tho Wairarapa Lake, he claimed tho credit of the settlement—which, however, has only recently taken place—for tho predecessors of tho Government (who have been out of office for over live years) and to tho Native Land Department. This was tho kind of thing wo got in answer to tho facts and figures of the Premier. Immediately at the closo of tho speech, which fell very flat, the audience commenced to leave the hall, and in this confusion a voto of confidence was put and declared carried.

Tho Premier's visit has evidently frightened the Conservatives here, as Mr Buchanan, following tho lead of Mr Seddon, has gone to speak at Papawai to the Natives; quite anew departure for our sitting member.

ThePrcmieraddrcssedalargely-attendedand enthusiastic meeting of the electors at Paraparaumu on Saturday night. Mr H. J. Field, county councillor for tho district, presided. The Premier spoke for two hours and a half, and at the conclusion of the meeting a unanimous vote of thanks to tho Hon R. J. Seddon and confidence in the Government was passed. Mr Donald Fraser announces himself as a candidate for Otaki at tho general election in tho Liberal interest.

Tho Premier has received a numerously signed requisition to deliver an address at Feather ston, and will speak there this (Thursday) evening. Tho probablo candidates for tho Bullor seat at the general election arc Messrs 14. McKenzie, Jas. Colvin, T. (». O'Brien and A. P. Bnick.

It is understood, says the Dunedin Star, that Mr G. J. Mnith will not seek re-eloction tor Christohiireh.

Tho Hon J. McKenzie addressed a private meeting of his constituent:! at Herbert last week, Mr A. Paterson in the chair. A voto of thanks and confidoncc, also of confidence in the Government, was proposed by Air G. Faterson, seconded by Mr A. Anderson, supported by Mr Watson, and carried unanimously amidst cheers. Mr A. E. G, Rhodes, in response to a requisition, has consented to become a candidate for Pareora at the next general election. During last week the Hon John McKenzie and the Hon W. J. Steward have addressed several largo meetings of the doctors in thoir districts, and at each received votes of thanks and confidence, and were favourably received. Both have now concluded their presossional addressos.

It is reported, says the Nelson Star, that Mr E. U'Conor will contest the Inangahua seat against Mr P. J. O'Regan. Tho Inglcwood Record learns that Mr Joseph Mackay, of Midhirst, has definitely decided to contest the Egmont electorate at the next election.

" Tho end of all opposition,' says Goethe, "is negation, and negation is nothing." This is an aphorism which may righteously be applied to Captain Russell and his followers. Their opposition is distinctly negative—their aim to pull down and destroy, rather than to build up.—Oamarn Mail. Captain Russell received some' unexpected answers to the interrogatory remarks made by him in the course of his Auckland speech, remarks tho Southland News. For example, when he asked if the people knew what Government they were supporting, back came the reply, " Tho best New Zealand ever had." Again his question, " What has this Government done:-" elicited the prompt response, " Filled tho empty houses in Auckland." These are samples of the interruptions which have been described as unseemly. Captain Russell addressed a crowded meeting at tho Theatre Koyal, Nelson, and received a most attentive hearing. His speech was mostly similar to his preceding speeches in reply to the Premier. He opposed Mr Ward's finance and Mr Seddou's statements, spoke of himself, Sir Robert Stout and other members of the Opposition, and made a very hard attack on Mr Seddon for having joined the Anglo-German Gold Syndicate, and tho officers of the Minos Department for taking their service and their knowledge to tho syndicate. He also questioned Mr McKenzie's figures as to settlement, and eulogised the efforts of the late Sir Harry Atkinson. A hearty vote of thanks was moved by Mr 11. Co. k, seconded by Mr J. Harley, and carried unanimously.

Captain Russell returned to Wellington from Nelson on Monday.