FEILDING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 18

FEILDING.

Mr W. A. L. Bailey, who is now contesting the Rangitikei seat in the Liberal interests, has been re-elected Mayor of Feilding unopposed, thus showing the esteem in which he is held. Mr Bailey has taken great interest in municipal matters since he has occupied the civic chair.

From reports to hand I gather that Mr Bailey has held very successful meetings at the far end of the electorate. Votes of thanks and confidence have been passed at every meeting. His prospects of being returned are very bright. Mr Lethbridge has addressed the electors in Feilding, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. The address given and questions asked occupied about ah hour. I am pleased to note that the candidates have stated that it is their intention to contest the election without passing any disparaging remarks about one another. This will be appreciated by all rightthinking electors. I notice that Mr Lethbridge prefaces his remarks at all his meetings by announcing himself a Liberal. Mr Burcham asked the candidate at Halcombe the reason why he declared himself a Liberal and yet was contesting the seat in the Conservative interest. Mr Lethbridge replied that he advocated Liberal measures, therefore he had a right to declare himself a Liberal. The temperance folks are somewhat divided in their opinion as to who they will support. Mr Lethbridge has always been looked upon as one of the party, but his replies to a deputation of the Licensed "Victuallers, and to the questions put to him at the public meeting held in Feilding, quite satisfied the Temperance Party that he was not their man. No doubt a decision will be arrived at after Mr Bailey addresses the electors here and the usual questions have been put to him. Mr Browne, the third candidate in the field for the Rangitikei electorate, has withdrawn in favour of Mr Bailey, so the fight will now rest with the two candidates— Mr Bailey as the supporter of the present Government, and Mr Lethbridge the Opposition ticket. This will make it a very keen contest. I should like to have seen the same contest in the sister electorate — Manawatu —but as there are two Conservative candidates in the field and one Liberal the fight will not be so fair, as the Conservatives will be divided and this will give the Liberal candidates a better chance.

A public meeting was held in the flourishing township of Rongotea on Saturday last, presided over fcy Mr Glover, to take into consideration matters political. Mr Ransom, the convener, said he was requested to call a public meeting and discuss matters which pertain to _ themselves as farmers. It was stated in the Opposition papers that the present Government had placed heavier taxation on the people and tho sooner they were out of office the better. As thoughtful people they should enquire for themselves. MiRansom then went into figures and proved most conclusively that the farmers 5 were considerably benefited by the legislation placed on the Statute hook by the present Government. Mr 11. Sanson followed with an address confirming the remarks made by Mr Ransom. He intended to vote for the candidate who would support the present Government, as he considered their policy the best for the country, and he trusted all present would follow hie example. Messrs Carl Anderson, C. Gray, and S. Knight spoke in favour of the Government legislation. It was quite an enthusiastic meeting. It was deemed advisable to hold another meeting before the election to give an opportunity for others to speak on the subject. Mr John Stevens, the Liberal candidate for the Manawatu seat, had a very enthusiastic meeting at Sanson last week, and a vote of thanks and confidence was carried. Mr Kellow, the Conservative and Prohibitionist candidate, has held some successful meetings along the coast. He was appointed by tho Wesleyan Conference as a Home Missionary at Feilding some years ago, and was highly appreciated here as a preacher. When Mr H. Jolly vacated his

position as accountant on the Rangitikei Advocate. Mr Kellow was appointed to that position. He afterwards became part proprietor of that journal. About twelve months ago he severed his connection with the press and started farming. Mr Kellow has been brought out by the Prohibitionists.

Mr F. Pemberton, of Rangiwahia, has been returned as a member to represent the new riding in the Kiwitea County Council. It is to be hoped that a stir will now be made to get the roads leading into this new riding put into a passable state of repair. I have referred to these roads in previous notes as “ sloughs of despond.” All the old members of the Pohangina County Council, with the exception of one, have been returned. Mr Cornfoot is the new representative. Mr P. S. Cornish, of Beacoiisfield, has lately joined the ancient order of benedicts. His pretty little home, situated on the banks of the Kiwitea stream, surrounded by a belt of natural bush, will, no doubt, be “all the brighter” with the latest “ decoration.”

Messrs C. Carr and Co. opened their new auction rooms in Feilding on Saturday last. An auction sale of produce and properties was held in the afternoon. Colonel Gorton has been very unwell lately. He contemplates a trip to Canterbury, and if his health does not improve be will probably take a voyage to Europe again. It is rumoured that the postal authorities have purchased a section in a central position in Feilding. The platform at the railway station is now being lengthened. It has been suggested that a verandah be erected at the same time such as have been at the Palmerston and Wanganui platforms. I think the traffic warrants such an accommodation.

Large quantities of wool are now coming into the railway station from the country districts around.