THE SUBURBS ELECTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2251, 22 April 1897, Page 14

THE SUBURBS ELECTION.

April I*.

Ifc ia currently reported that/ during au address to the women of Petone last evening, at which there were about 30 present, Mr Wilson, the Government candidate for the Suburbs, became emotional, and almost wept because of an alleged attempt made by certain women canvassers to destroy the psace of his happy home by spreading wicked falsehoods about him in relation to hio domestic affair 3. The bottom is, however, completely knocked out of this little bit of pantomime by a letter from Lady Stoub, who, in indignant and forcible lai.gusg?, denies the charge. She writes as follows:— "I have been informed that Mr Wilson at his ladies' meeting at Petone this afternoon accused me of slandering him and his wife and child. I positively deny having referred in any way to Mr Wilson's domestic affairs. I have heard that ha has a wife, but did not know that he had any family. I am quite ignorant of Mr Wilson's domestic relations, and the only thing I kuow or care to know of him is

that be is a servile follower of the most corrupt Administration that has ever disgraced this colony No doubt the spectacle of Mr Wilson taking off his glasses to weep aud protecting on ths public platform his devotion to his wife and child was most touching, bub I doubt if ih will have the effect of improving Mr Wilson's chances of election in Petone. lam afraid the dodge is too thin even for the • Liberals.' The electors ia that; district", as far ss I .can learn, admire pluck and miuliuess even in an opponent, and are nob likely to wish to be represented by one who so far forgets his self-respect . as to de-cend to such a hysterical and theatrical display I challenge Mr Wilson to produce anyone to whom I. made any remarks in reference to his domestic affiirs or his private character. The statement made this afternoon was a deliberate falsehood, and I am "afraid Mr Wilson wes quifct 1 aware of the fact that it was so when he made it. In justice to the other ladi°s who aro working m Petono for iVfr A'kitison I wish to add than they are equally guiltless of slandering Mr Wilson." COLONIAL CONTINGENT. The Premier, tue Hons. Carroll, Hall-Jones, and two or three members of Parliament went to Island Biy fee-day to see tho contingent drilling. Colonel Penton and Major Madooka were also present. men rode past the carriage in which Ministers were seated and went tbr .ugh sereral evolutions. Ab the conclusion of these the Premier stepped to tho ground and briefly addressed th« m;n. Altogether, although there wia considerable variety of horses and of uniforms, tho tffect of tho marchpast and the principal evolutions was good. One of the lat°st additions (o the Maori contingent if Tareha Te Moananui (»on of v. leading chief of Hawke's Bay) He is 6f b 2in in height, aud is well ednoated in Baglis's.