POLITICAL NEWS,

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 49

POLITICAL NEWS,

Although tho absolute details of the Opposition caucus held in the Caledonian

Society's rooms last week have been eaiefully withheld (says the Lyttelton Times) it is understood that the meeting was attended by 80 or 90 citizens. The meeting mentioned the matter cf a fighting fund for approved candidates at the next general election, and the assurance was given that so long as the- candidature of members was approved by the party there would be no difficulty about the provision of funds. Substantial offers of help are understood to have been given in connection with the election fund. The meeting was called by " select " circular.

The Milton Mirror states that Mr James Allen, M.H.R. representing Bruce, will deliver a political address in Milton on Tuesday, 16th inst.

It is understood that Mr A. S. Atkinson intends to contest the Riooarton seat at the forthcoming general election. Requisitions are at present being circulated for signature, one to ask Mr J. Farrell to contest the Grey Lynn seat at next general election, and another asking Mr C. H. Pool-o to be a candidate for the Ponsonby scat.

In another column will be found an announcement from Mr Wm. Roy to the effect that he will be a candidate for the suffrages of the Clutha electors at the forthcoming election. Mr Roy is a son of Mr Jas. Roy, of Wairuna, a very old settler in the Clutha district, he having arrived in the colony by the Grassmere in 1862. Mr Roy. sen., ever since he came to New Zealand, has taken, a prominent part in public affairs, and his tendency is shared by his son, who, it may be stated, will stand as an Independent oandidate. The Wellington. Post learns that Mr

Byron Brown, of Otaki, will contest tho Otaki scat at the next general election as an Independent Liberal and No-license candidate. Mr Brown is ?o far opposed to the Government that he will be prepared, we understand, to vote against the presenS Government on any substantive motion oe want of confidence.

The Premier states that he and his colleagues have in November next, if nob sooner, to go before the country. Mr Seddcn again states definitely that her is not going to leave New Zealand. In. view of his reiteration people are still' wondering why tho vacant office of Higls Commissioner is not filled.

Our Naseby correspondent wires*-: — Another 1 candidate for parliamentary honours in respect* of the Mount Ida electorate has announced; his candidature. He is roiniiig forward as all! Independent Liberal, with tendencies favourable towards the Government policy. Mr Johii Lobb, of Xaseby hotolkeeper, is the new candidate.

Mr R. Moore has deckled to stand in the Opposition interest for Kaiapoi at the coming election. It is understood that Mr John Studholme, iun.. will contest the Ashburton seat with Mr M'Laohlan.

THE HIGH COMMISS/IOXEPvSHIP.

WELLINGTON. May 4. At a social gathering last evening to Mr? Kerwin, tramway constructing engineer, reference was made, in proposing the toast of " The Ministry," to the High Comrnissionership. Mr Seddon. in replying. &aid> that his friends, had gone so far as alinosfc to label his boxes and take out his ticketto London. They could take the hor&e to the water, but could not make him drink. He felt that he could do more good for New Zealand and the Empire in New Zea lland than away from it, and was not going to leave New Zealand.

POLITICAL REFORM LEAGUE. OHRISTOHUROH. May 6. As the result of the recent vi»ii of M* Massey. Leader of the Opposition, to this city and district, a largely-attended meeting was held iast night at which the Canterbury, Political Reform League was formed. An' Evecutive Committee was set up. and many promises of support were received. The' Opposition platform as propounded by Mr Massoy at his meeting on Tuesday night in this city was adopted, and arrangements wore made for a vigorous political cam' paign.