SOUTHLAND NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3040, 19 June 1912, Page 23

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

(From Otra Own CoaaEspoNDENT.} INVEBCAJRGILL, June 14. Conversing with a Times representative, Mr J. R. Hamilton, who contested Awarua against Sir J. G. Ward at the laat election, had something to say about tl*e feeling of Awarua elector* towards the late Prime Minister. "As far as T can judge," said Mr Hamilton, " taking injo consideration Sir Joseph Ward's resignation from the Imperial Trade Commission and hie movements, previous to this, the opinion is that evor snce the election the electors of Awarua have been somewhat in the dark regarding the move.' meats a,nd future intentions of the ex« Prime Minister. They have only been able to read between the lines of hii meagre and elusive statements. The gensral feeling is that not only do the intenof Sir Joseph Ward depend entirely upon* what the future lias in store, bul those of other prominent Government men will be entirely influenced by the fate of the present Government. It ia clear that the present policy of the party ia power is being shaped on anticipation of what may happen. As for Awarna, the people there are of opinion that these men are more concerned about thcroeelveg and their party than about what is in the best interests of the country. Their actions, past and present, have no! strengthened their position in Awarua, and tliey would find this only too true if an appeal to the electors were mado in tlie near future."