DUNEDIN EAST ELECTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7930, 22 July 1887, Page 4

DUNEDIN EAST ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sin, —"Lochaber's" letter in your i6sue of this morning might have appeared over-the signature " Kobert Stout" as an excellent piece of special pleading. It would be hard to beat Sir Robert's supposed deviation to the interests of the workiug class, the purely imaginary "hatred of the moneyed class" consequent thereon, or the crafty allusion to the many " dour Scotchmen " in Dunedin East. When, however, "Lochaber" passes to the task of running down the other side, his statements are not prodigal of truth. " Lochaber " asks who flocked to Mr Allen's banner when it was raised? Undeniably the working man. Mr Allen's supporters are chiefly to be found amongst thoughtful mechanics and artisans, who recogniue that the country has gone to the bad during the reign of the Stout-Vogel combination, and who do not believe Sir Robert has backbone enough to free himself from the entanglements of Ministerial connections. Because we think Sir Robert an able man is not sufficient reason that we should give him a chance of continuing to hold the reins when we have proof that he is powerless to check a headlong gallop to insolvency. Were it not, Sir, for political bribes, I am satisfied that the country would refuse to return to Wellington any candidate hold- . ing a portfolio—preferring to send the ship a three years' parliamentary voyage under a new captain and new officers, who at least could not do worse than their predecessors. Lastly, will " Lochaber" kindly tell us for how many moneyed institutions " the people's Robert" is solicitor?—l am, &c,

Abeddonian.

July 21,

TO THE EDITOE. Sin, —Your correspondent " Lochaber " comes out this morning with a lengthy discourse on the subject of the coming election in Dunedin East, and, Sir, I think he has made some very sensible remarks about letters concocted in committee rooms, which every sensible elector should endorse in toto, with the exception, perhaps, of the aspersion of meanness and abuse. The sacrifices made by Sir Robert Stout during his long political career are not altogether plain to my dull understanding. Has he incurred the hatred of the moneyed (?) classes? Sir, this imputation is open to question; in my humble opinion the rank and file of Sir Robert Stout's former army are beginning to think for themselves, and are not in the least incited thereto by any outsiders. Thank goodness, there are no disappointed petitioners or carpet-baggers flocking round Mr Allen's banner. Your correspondent alludes sneeringly to "dangled babies, blarneyed mothers, &c." Sir, we do not for a moment condescend to such a contemptible course ; the days for such nonsense are now happily numbered among the past. There is still another nasty allusion to Sir Robert Stout being snuffed out by Mr Allen by unfair means or otherwise. Now, Sir, where can your correspondent point out any justification for what he says? Up to the present time Mr Allen's supporters have adopted all honourable means in conducting this electioneering campaign, which is, I regret to say, not so in the case of the opposition.—l am, &c,

Chadband,

Dunediu, July 21,