In The Political Arena.

Southland Times, Issue 12729, 13 October 1893, Page 2

In The Political Arena.

(By Telegraph.)

Hokitika, Oct. 12. In response to a very largely signed requisition from all parts of the district, Mr Seddon has decided to again offer his services to this constituency. He will probably be returned unopposed. r Christchurch, Oct. 12. It is stated that Mr D. Dick will be a candidate for Ashley. . Wellington, Oct. 12. The Opera House was crowded to hear Mr Travers, one of the city candidates, express his views. He declared himself opposed to the Government, and criticised their financial policy adversely. He regretted the change in the incidence of taxation and thought that with a large surplus, the Government should have reduced the duties on the necessaries of life to the lowest penny. He characterised tbe system of taking up waste lands as rotten; the department should adopt a much more simple form. He opposed the lease in perpetuity, but favoured the deferred payment system as helping small capitalists. He would favour grants to private schools where there was a sufficiency of teachers to impart secular instruction equal to State standard. Religious instruction should be allowed in the schools but the State should only be asked to defray the cost of secular education. He was in sympathy with the temperance movement, and while not prepared to go the length of the direct veto would insist on better regulation of the trade. The meeting broke up without passing a motion, except one 'of thanks to the chairman. A deputation waited on Mr Duthie and ’• asked him to contest the City. He promises a reply in a day or two. Mr A. W. Hislop is mentioned as likely to contest Wellington and a requisition to him is being signed. Hone Heke leaves for Auckland to-morrow • to enter on a contest for the representation of. the northern; Maori< district.; He is a: grandson of. the . famous fighting cliief who was the first to dispute British settlement in New Zealand. The date of the election will be not later than 17th December. Horsemen are to be sent round outlying districts to collect women’s claims. / Mr Seddon has been-invited to deliver a series of addresses at Feilding, Lyttelton, Ashburton and Invercargill;, and. will do so if he has time. :: ; It is rumoured that the Opposition will bring out Messrs Bell, Duthie, and Johnston '< for Wellington./-,::; ■ /rni’’' Dunedin, .Oct. 12. ' Mr H. S. Fish, M.H.R., was presented to-night with an address welcoming him back from his arduous duties, thanking him for ■ his zeal and assiduity, aud expressing a hope that he may long be spared to represent the people in Parliament. The address, which was presented by Mr A. Sligo, bore over 1000 signatures. The Mayor presided and referred to the services rendered by Mr ’ Fish to the local bodies. 1