POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 14, 1 September 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL.

NOTES BY THE WAY. The “Father of the House,” Sir W. J. Steward, has, according to a press telegram, definitely decided not to contest the Waitaki seat at the forthcoming elections. The “Dunedin Star” mentions the name of Mr. C. E. Bellringer as a candidate in the Government interest for the Taranaki seat. Mr. Bellringer informs the “News” ho has no intention of entering the election lists this time. A movement is afoot in Rotorua (says the “Rotorua Times”) to requisition the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie to contest tiio Tauranga electorate at the forthcoming general election. There is some curiosity as to what Mr. Mackenzie’s intentions are. Legislation to control the sale of Now Zealand wine will be introduced tin’s session. Deposits of clay suitable for pottery having boon discovered, on the West Coast of the North Island, enquiries are being made as to the prospects of establishing this industry in New Zealand, and, if the reports received appear to warrant an endeavour being made to introduce this manufacture, the question of the Government granting a bonus will lie favourably considered. The Prime Minister states that the question of framing model by-laws for the use of'local bodies lias been under consideration from time to time; but there are difficulties in preparing a suitable series of such by-laws, and some doubt as to whether the advantages would ho sufficient to justify the time and trouble required to prepare them. The Government has been considering the question of dealing with tontine policy holders’ grievances, but groat difficulties have been encountered in suggesting an effective remedy, which in the circumstances would require to ho retrospective. The Government is enquiring as to the suitability for close settlement of the Balfour Estate, near Pahiatua, which Mr. Ross states is owned by an absentee, is used as a shcep-’.valk, and provides employment for one man only; while, on the other hand, if it was cut up, it is capable of supporting twenty families. The “Now Zealand Times” states that the recommendation cf the special committee relating to the allegations of the member for Stratford last session is under consideration with a view to the legal advisers of the Crown deciding whether the existing Jaw and standing orders sufficiently protect Parliament against any real conflict between a member’s duty and ‘his interests, and if the Government is advised the existing law is insufficient for the purpose, definite legislation will be introduced to provide that protection. The Hon. T. Mackenzie, replying to telegrams, in reference to nominating him for Egmont, says: “The question of my future movements is yet undecided*, but ! will, give the representations contained therein my earnest attention, and will advise you later.”

MR. J. McGLUGGAGE. On Monday last Mr Joseph AlcClnggago started upon a brief tour of that portion of the electorate extending along the Junction Road eastwards from Inglewood. It will ho remember-, od that at tho general elections of 1908 this district was a very solid Conservative stronghold, and Mr. McCluggagc was, therefore, agreeably surprised to find the very great change that has taken place in favour of the present Liberal Administration. The first address was delivered at Matan, upon the linos oi Mr. McCluggage's Whaugamomona speech, the chair being taken by Air. F. G. Mills. Air. AlcCluggage was given a most courteous hearing, and at tho conclusion of his speech, answered several questions satisfactorily, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence. Next evening ho spoke at Pnrangi, Mr. H. N. Silk presiding, and again mob with a good reception and also received a unanimous vote of thanks and ‘confidence. Tarata was visited on Wednesday, and a good meeting hold in tho hall. The chair was occupied by Air R. C. Tcmplcr, who introduced the candidate. Mr AlcCluggage received amost attentive hearing and a cordial vote of thanks for his interesting and able address. It is noteworthy, as a sign of tho change in political feeling throughout the electorate, that, whereas in 1908, it was found impossible to form election committees in these three important centres, upon this occasion Mr McCluggagc was able to form enthusiastic and influential committees at each place.