Telegraphic News.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3470, 25 July 1899, Page 3

Telegraphic News.

[From Our Own Correspondent]. Wellington, July 24. The Wellington election takes place tomorrow, but it is regarded as certain that Mr John Hutcheson will be elected. He gets the support of the Conservatives and Prohibitionists, and a share of the Labor Party, but the real Liberals will not touch him at any price. Air Jellicoe is very unpopular, but thousands will vote for him, not because they hate him any the less, but because they hate Air Hutcheson more. Air Jellicoe gave mortal offence to Irishmen a couple of years ago, and they would not have him under ordinary circumstances,but I am told they will vote for him just to spite Mr Hutcheson. Last Saturday evening Mr Hutcheson attempted to address a meeting in the street, but it was the rowdiest ever seen in the city. He proceeded (o make an attack on Mr Twomey, but he had not gone far when he had to be driven away. The Post says he was disturbed by persons employed by Air Seddon. The real fact is Air Seddon has not interfered, and has not given liberty to any of his friends to interfere. Some offered to do so, but the Premier asked them not to do so. There is a strong feeling against Mr Hutcheson, and he is not improving things, as he is very violent in his personal attacks. Mr T. E. Taylor is likely to have a sultry half-hour soon. In the course of a speech delivered in Parliament last week, he said the Premier formed one of a group of sly grog-sellers, perjurers, and scoundrels which had been photographed at Balelutha. The Premier brought the photograph to the lobby and showed it round. He had lunch with the ATayor of Balelutha, and the best people in town were iuvited. After lunch all present were photographed, and amongst them were the Premier and the Hon. John McKenzie and secretaries, the Mayor and his wife, two lawyers, one rank prohibitionist, two newspaper editors, and some ladies, Mr Morrison (the member for Caversham), and several others, all most respectable people. One man whose son was convicted of sly grog-selling was present, but ail the others had no connection with the trade. This is the group which Mr Taylor characterised as sly grog-sellers, perjurers, and scoundrels. In the course of the same debate Mr Alorrison said one of trie prohibitionists in Clutha who figured with Mr Taylor at the Police Commission, was in the habit of getting liquor forwarded to him from Dunedin in a kerosene tin, Mr Taylor denied this, and said that if Air Morrison could prove it he would not speak on the question of prohibition until after the licensing poll was taken. Air Morrison telegraphed to his informant asking if he could use his name. He got a reply “Yes,” and the matter is to come out yet. There is no doubt about this. 1 have seen the telegrams and also the pledge given by Mr Taylor in his own handwriting. It looks very much as if Mr Taylor mast remain silent on prohibition until after the election.