TELEGRAPHIC ITEMS. Wellington, November 17.

Otago Witness, Issue 2230, 26 November 1896, Page 23

TELEGRAPHIC ITEMS. Wellington, November 17.

An Oppositionist's tip for the general election is :— Government members, 29; Opposition, 32 ; Independent,. 6 ; doubtful, 8. The Government on tho other hand count on a small majority. A rumour reaches me, however, to tho effect that Mr Seddon would prefer not to come back with a working majority, so that he might have an opportunity of reconstructing and strengthening his Cabinet. The reason given for this is feat there has been so much dissatisfaction expressed with some of the weaker m^mbara of the Cabinet!. There is a split in the Liberal ranks here, great dissatisfaction being expressed with the Government candidates chosen at the Liberal League meetiug, when Meesrs Fisher and Wilson were choaen. Numbers of outsiders who were present voted. Woodville, November 17. The Premier wires accepting Mr J. O'Meara as tho Government candidate for P^hiataa. WestpouTj November 23. Th<; Premier a<Wres«ed a crowded moftiog at the Victoria Theatre this evening, and received a splendid hearing. Tho speech, waa practically a repetition of those delivered at other places. At the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks was carried with acclamation. The mayor prejided, Tho Premier leaves by the tug for Greymoutb. to -night, whenoe he - proceeds overland to Ohrifetchurch.

Ashburton, November 18.

Mr Maslin, a c&ndidata for A«hburfcon, addressed a meeting here to-night. He gave the most effective defence of the Government yet heard in Ashburton, and after criticising other candidates, concluded bis speech by stating his intention of withdrawing from the contest rather than split the Liberal and temperance vote. He was accorded aa ovation at the conclusion.

(Faoh Oub Own Cobbhsfondent.)

Napibk, November 18. Mr Douglas M'Lean, son of the late B : r Don*ld M'Lean, addressed a densaly-packed meeting at the Theatre Royal, a large number being unable to obtain admittance. His speech w*s of a philosophic character. He contended that the functions of tbe State should be strictly limited, and the greatest encouragement given to private enterprise to develop the resources of the country. He condemned State loans to settlers as likely to involve the whole community in loss for tho benefit of a few. He thought the country should be content with the present licensing lawe, but they should be strictly enforced He expressed sympathy with the j «elf - denying efforts of the Catholics to m&iritaiu thair schools, aad thought that they were entitled to some consideration. He supported an elective Upper House, under the Hare system of voting. He ■was opposed to the totalisator. Many measures of the Government had his support, but he strongly condemned their administration aud borrowing. He bad a splendid reception, and at the close a vote of thauks for the address and for coming forward was passed, with only two dissentients, amid a scene of great enthusiasm.