ELECTION NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9907, 28 November 1893, Page 2

ELECTION NOTES.

"You have now," said Disbaeli to the English Administration which existed in 1873, " had four years of it. You have threatened every corporation and endowment in the country; you have examined into everybody's affairs; you have criticised every profession and vexed every trade; no one is certain of his property, and nobody knows what duties he may have to perform to-morrow. I believe that the people of this country have had enough of this policy." And in a speech just before the ensuing general election he expressed an opinion that the great end of improving the condition of the people was not advanced by "incessant and harassing legislation." Our neo-Liberal Government have not had four years of it, but they have had three, and Dizzy's words, mutatis mutandis, are not inapplicable to the New Zealand situation to-day. In 1874- the electors of the United Kingdom showed that they had indeed had enough of what the Opposition leader regarded as " blundering and plunder" ing," and to-night it will be made apparent whether the people of this colony are contented or dissatisfied with their peculiarly enterprising Ministry. Candidates and electors will alike be relieved from the anxiety and. excitement of the last few weeks, and no sane person will wish that the battle could be prolongedThere is something radically unhealthy about a general election campaign: physique, temper, and reputation are all apt to suffer, and the declaration of the poll is the finale of what is often a somewhat sorry business. While regretting Mr "Fish's indisposition, we cannot regret—nor do we think that he has any cause to regret—that the open-air meeting at the Octagon did not come off last night. This kind of gathering simply plajs into the hande of the roughs, political and otherwise, and it ia too likely, that a disgraceful row would have taken place. Mr Fish will lose no votes either by his indisposition dr by his failure to meet the electors in! front of the Town Hall. As a matter of fact few votes are influenced the night before an election; nay, we are sometimes inclined to conjecture that the practical result of the election speeches of well-known politicians is very small. It is possible to alienate as well as to proselytise: A new candidate must, of course, be judged by his deliverances, -but an: old member is judged rather by the total impression which his career conveys. Mr Fish managed to get some sort of a hearing at South Dunedin on Saturday night, though his opponents showed that they did not yet appreciate the immense tactical mistake (to put the matter on no~ higher ground) which they make in hampering the freedom of public deliverance. And it must be conceded that Mr Fish made an effective speech, full of true sayings, and as moderate in tone as it is' possible for him to be. As we said when noticing his post-sessional address, few politicians appreciate the situation more accurately: few Bee through Ministerial pretensions more thoroughly. We shall refrain from entering into the question whether or not Mr Fish can claim consistency as a virtue: he says he has followed out the principles which he enunciated in 1890, and the people will have their say on the matter to-day. So complete is the prevailing uncertainty that few people will be surprised if he be elected, and few if he be defeated. The faithful " Liberals " of Waikouaiti must ba sorely perplexed, while Mr Gbben ia doubtless smiling blandly. Dearest of all things to a candidate's heart, excepting a walk-over, is schism in the enemy's camp. Messrs Thoms»n and Baucßbid fair to divide the " Liberal " vote with charming equality, and probably Mr Gbeen has not much to fear from Mr Smith. This Waikouaiti schism is well worth notice, for t it suggests the question, Who is " boBB "—the Premier or the Workers' Political Committee ? The committee, in the somewhat hysterical appeal which has appeared in our columns, urges the electors of Waikouaiti to vote early and vote straight for " Q. J. Bruce,'' who, as we find in another anxious appeal, represents the ticket, "God, Home, and Humanity." But now appears npon the scene King Richakd, who some weeks ago gave his blessing to the other "Liberal" aspirant, Mr Andhew Thomson. The King, like Solomon of old, is ready to sit in judgment. "Let ma decide this little matter between you," says ho to his rival subjects, and Mr Thomson, mindful of that benediction of a few wfeeks ago, readily consents. Nothing is wanting but Mr Bruce's consent: " Will you come into my parlour?" says the spider to the fly. But Mr Bnucis, like his royal ancestor, knows something about spiders, and fights shy. He persists in flourishing the banner "For God Home, and Humanity," and reminds "all true Liberals and friends of temperance progress" that they " should go solidly for BRUCE, and victory is certain." Cohlin's the friend, not Short. We fear that her Majesty's present Ministers will not love Mr Bruce :he did his level best to unseat Mr John M'Kenzie three years ago, aud now .he tells "all true Liberals" to abstain from voting for Mr Seddon's nominee. It may be, also, that the Premier does not love the Workers' Political Committee. Anyhow, Mr Gbeen smiles, which is the important matter. Presumably Mr Cadman will be returned for Waikato -. his only opponent is described as a Ministerialist; but it could be wished that events were ordered otherwise. This peculiar Minister for "Justice" would be none the worse for a term of private life, and fate has I been unusually ironic in making poor Mr Rees the scapegoat in that sorry business. We observe that the whitewashed Minister had to answer some awkward and pertinent questions at a meeting on Saturday. Or perhaps we should rather say that he was invited to answer them, for he seems to have shirked the main point. The electors of Waikato hays ife in their power ix> send Mr Cadman back to Parliament, but the rerdicfc of the Napier jury remains the one substantial fact in the case: £1 without costs aa ;he price of a damaged reputation. It woultl be iasytoforgive MrCADMAN if he would confess his lerious impropriety, but he persists in acting the j njured. innocent, and it is nothing short of dis- j

graceful that he should have been taken back into the Ministry under the circumstances: nothing short of ridiculous that ha should have been given the portfolio of Justice. It will, perhaps, be said that this is an old tale now ; true, but it is not the only old Ministerial tale which, electors may well con over in their minds this morning. Mr John Douglas has evidently been taking lessons from his Ministerial friend. His telegram to Mr Scobib Mackenzie is about as foul a piecs of composition as it was ever our lot to peruse—composition, that is, from the pen of anyone calling himself a gentleman. The Minister for Lands must be quite jealous of hi* apt pupil. Mr Douglas says that Mr Scobie Mackenzie "now knows" the falseness of his accusation; but we opine that the critic of the Pomahaka affair will . plead innocent of any such knowledge. We observed yesterday that Mr Douglas's reply served to accentuate rather than to remove suspicion, and the rabies displayed in 'this extraordinary telegram must be regarded as confirmatory. Mr Scobie Mackenzie will be none the worse "for the choice Billingsgate to which "John Douglas" has appended his name, while criticism and inquiry will not be paralysed by the wild protests of one of the parties to the Pomabaka arrangement. The results of the polling throughout the colony will be shown this evening in front of the office of this paper by means of the electric light. A trial of this new method was made last evening, when everything worked satisfactorily. It is expected that some of the results will come to hand shortly after 8 o'clock, and from that time onward returns should come to hand at very brief intervals. Mr Paulin advised -us as follows last night :— "Atmospheric disturbances west of 169deg E., should cross these islands shortly. Strong N.E. winds changing to S.W.; mist and rain in about 20 hours." We have received a large number of letters about election matters. It has always been our practice to refuse to publish letters. on the morning of polling day, as there is no chance of reply to any statements which may be contained in them. Correspondents will therefore understand why their communications do not appear. : . The Hon. John M'lntyre, Victorian Minister for Lands, who is at present on a visit to the colony with a view to inquiring into the system of village settlements and the progress of land settlement generally, arrived in town last evening. After landing at the Blufi the hon. gentleman paid a risit to the Ocean Beach Freezing Works, and after a brief stay at Invercargill went on to Mr Wallis's Morton Mains estate. On Saturday he visited the Lakes district, and left for Dunedin yesterday morning. Mr M'lntyre, who is accompanied by Mr March, superintendent of village settlements, will spend the greater part of to-day at the Land Office. He will probably have a conference to-morrow with the Hon. J. M'Kenzie, and then proceed to Chrißtchurch. His Honor Mr Justice Williams was occupied yesterday in hearing the case of the Waipapa Dredging Company (Limited) v. Be Burn's, a claim for the delivery of a dredge or its value and £200. for detention, and to have] the defendant declared trustee of the company for an adjoining claim which he had acquired in his own name. Mr Holmes appeared for the plaintiff company, and Mr Sim for defendant. After heariDg evidence and argument of counsel, his Honor gave judgment to the efiect that the dredge should be delivered to the plaintiff company, and that the adjoining claim belongs to the defendant. His' Honor will sit in Chambers at 11 o'clock this morning, after which the case of Sligo and others v. M'Gregor will be proceeded with. . The annual meeting of shareholders in the Union Steam Ship Company was held at the company's head office yesterday, the chairman (the Hon. Geo. M'Lean) presiding. The proceedings were purely oE a formal nature, the principal item of interest being the declaration of a dividend at the'rate of 6 per' cent, per annum. During the absence of tha owner a private residence in Cargill street was broken into on Saturday and thoroughly ransacked. Articles to the value of from £10 to £20 were removed from the house. The Woodville farmers' Club have resolved to invite a conference of representatives of the different farmers' clubs in the colony to consider matters affecting agricultural interests. In Saturday's issue we credited Mr A. N. Lindsay with the special prize for the largest prizetaker in hams and bacon at the Dunedin show. As a matter of fact, Mr Lindsay took five prizes in six classes—two first, one second, and two third; while Messrs A. R. Falconer and Co. took six prizes in four classes—two first, four second, and one third. Consequently Messrs A. R. Falconer and Co.. won the special prize. The time for receiving entries for the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association's competion for the best-managed farm has been extended till the 16th December. The Cogill Brothers' Minstrel Company gave the second last performance of their season at the Princess Theatre last evening. The attendance was somewhat meagre, but what the audience lacked in point of size they fully made up by the appreciative manner in which they received the various items on the programme. The latter was an admirable one in every respect, embracing a judicious selection of songs, dances, jspeeches, &0., and was gone through in a thoroughly satisfactory style. To-night another performance will be given, bringing the season to a close. The results of the election will, if possible, be delivered from the stage immediately after they are announced, so that those interested in the result of the poll need not miss the performance on that account. In our amusement columns will be found the cast of the opera "The Barber or Seville," which is to be produced on Wednesday evening next and the three following nights at the Princess Theatre. Judging by the full-dress rehearsal Eeld on Saturday evening, nothing will be wanting on the part of the principals and chorus to make this production perfect in every detail. The box plan was opened at the Dresden yesterday morning, and already a large number of seats have been reserved. ♦ The Railway department announce the railway arrangements m connection with the D. J C races and the Palmerston show. Mr John Solomon will continue to-day the sale of goods which are now to be seen in the premises lately occupied by Messrs Ross and Glendining Messrs James Samson, and Co. will sell household furniture, &c. to-morrow. The Mutual Agency Company will hold a sale of sheep at Balclutba on Friday. ulu * edle The ordinary meeting of the Loyal Hand and S&S&lffi tO-m°rrOW 6Ve* The Dunedm Jockey Club warn persons against laying or accepting totalisator odds on the racecovirsG, Testimonial from Scoullar and Chisholm S?w DeiEr?£ ke™ and P'an°'dealers, Wellington •- Mr, M'Kenzie.-We have tried your furniture polish and can highly recommend it, being the O™eT^" YeA llsed--y°«rs truly, ScoutLif and Ohisiiolm. Agents: A.Brißcoe and Co., William 9 ouston, Hunter and Sons, ironmongers; A ami J-; M'Farlane Mr Cantwell, Mr Mitchell Mr rv,kTi r> Mr,.Summ? rJ». grocers; Scoullar and ?,,'?• olm. cabinetmakers. " Quick and simple as dusting. Teaspoonlul sufficient for largest piano No itinerant vendors.-[ADVT ] nth. Tw^f p AND Cor" Just landing, Sanitary and other Wall Papers ; beautiful patterns.—[Advt 1 John Hislop, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Princes street. The oldest established house in w ™-. UeW™ of al] kinds. Good assortment Watches, Clocks and Jewellery. Spectacles to suit all sights.—[Advt.] Messrs A. and J. M'Farlane beg to call attention to their advertisement over the leader Any orders entrusted to them will receive the bes attention.—FAdvi.] Mr T. J. Collins, dental surgeon, has removed •his offices to 41 Princes street (over Burton ■Brothers ). Entrance from Moray place.—[Advt A i act !—Peter Dick is the most reliable Watchmaker, Moray place, Dunedin (opp. Coffee Palace). VVatches cleaned, ss; mainsprings, 4s 6d.—[Advt Taylor's Bowling Green Bowls on sale by G. and T. Young, 88 Princes street:—Firstaualityßowls, 21s a pair; extra quality, 25s ; silver-mounted, 335, 445, 57s 6d, 635. All sizes ; bias 2 and 3 — [Advt.] Messrs Thomson and Co. —Gentlemen, —Please orward one case of your sodawater per New Zealand Express Company. I dare say you may think it strange of me writing for this small order, but it is for a sick person, and the doctor expressly stipulated for your brand, and will have no other, which I look upon as a great compliment to your manufacture.—l am, yours truly, A. J. S. Head land.—Oamaru, September 11,1S93.—[Advt.] la our' summary supplement will be found a report of Mr Cohen's address on the education question, and of the speech delivered by Mr Watson, jun., a candidate for the Port Chalmers mayoralty. — For the first time in fcho history of public dinners a woman has responded to the toast "The Army." The occasion was a dinner in honour of the British trained nurses, and the | response was by Mifis Loch, superintendent of j the Indian Army Nursing Service.