PUBLISHED DAILY. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1890.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8924, 4 November 1890, Page 2

PUBLISHED DAILY. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1890.

. «. Sir Robert Stodt has issued a "manifesto" — we suppose that is now the correct word for everything issued in the shape of an address by a politician to the electors. Sir Robert's "manifesto," however, differs from other documents of the kind, for whereas most of the '' manifestos set forth the grounds why the candidate should be returned to Parliament, his goes into detail why he declines the honor. The document has been issued in reply to the request of a deputation that Sir Robert Stout would allow himself to be nominated as a candidate for Dunedin City. If he consented to stand Sir Robert was safe to be returned as one of the members, but he says lie can do more good for the Liberal cause outside of Parliament than if he had a seat in the House — or, he might add, in the Ministry. By this he means, we presume, that he prefers to " pull the wires/ bo as to make the Parliamentary puppets dance at his pleasure. There are rumours — in fact Borne of the papers have already commented on the matter — that an alliance has sprung up between Sir Robert Stout and IMr Jellioos, In s letter received from a New Zealand ooloniet, an ex-politician, now aud for two v«nr* pit * wtfeat io

London, and published in a Wellington paper, we learn after "tho ' Bell- Jellicoe ' case negotations were entered into between the two lawyers, the result of which was tbat Jellicoe, under Stout's auspices, started to contest the Oamaru seat, then vacant." This writer then goes on to state that "if Jellicoe is elected poor Ballance will be entirely thrown overboard, as it is supposed that Atkinson, Jellicoe, and Fish will be thoroughly competent to brow-beat the Lower House, and Ballance had no gift that way, and his land policy was risky." We have seen many strange political combinations since New Zealand has had a representative constitution — we have seen the "lion and the lamb" apparently happily fawning on each other — but we cannot, with the greatest stretch of imagination, conceive such an alliance as above mentioned. Sir Harry has had to politically link himself with some strange colleagues, but wo think even he would draw the line somewhat higher than the two names mentioned. Sir Robert Stout alludes in his manifesto to some remarks made by some leading newspapers. Whether it is this letter — which, by the by, was sent to a citizen in Dunedin — he refers to we know not; but that some change in the ex-Premier's views is taking place is evident, though he is apparently trying to hide the facts from himself as well as the public.

The Melbourne and New Zealand Cups were decided to-day. The barque Rakaia arrived at Wellington on Monday, 107 days from London. Mr E, M. Smith will meet the electors in the' Alexandra Hall this - (Tuesday) evening. --Chair at 8 o'clock. The Liliputian Minstrels intend giving the public of Waitara a treat by performing there at an early date. There has been a revival in the flax industry djiwn the coast, most of the mills being now in work again. The Agricultural and Pastoral Society Committee, have decided to hold future shows on their old ground — S\ Germains Square. The Maoris intend to render down the blubber of the whale washed ashore at Waiwakaiho on Sunday last. The whalebone has been purchased by Mr J. Butterworth, who has the portions of the head containing it on view at his shop. The Royal Mail steamer Rimutaka, arrived at Wellington, from London, via. Hobart, on Monday evening, at 5.45 o'clock. The New Plymouth portion of the mail, will be brought by the express train this evening. Mr Murray, the Inspector of Schools, has now conapleted the annual examination of about half the schools in the district. He expects to finish up just before the holidays. So far he has found a steady improvement, as compared with last year, in the work. There are tight candidates in the field for the three Wellington seats, viz., Messrs Jellicoe, Duthie, Fisher, Macdonald, Bell, M'Lean, Fraser, and Winter. Out of this goodly array, says a correspondent in the Post, two are lawyers of note, two are " preachy" or spiritualistic money-lenders (of the 40 per cent, species), one ironmonger, one auctioneer and financier, one professional politician (a regular political ringtail roarer), and an ex-railway servant. Mr J. & Jackson, of Nelson, has recently published a series of illustrations of New Zealand ferns, flowers, and berries. There are three parts, each containing 15 plates, and price is 7s 6d for the set of three. The works are remtfrkably cheap, for they contain some very beautiful and faithful representatjona r of New Zealand flora. The illustrations have -been compiled in New New Zealand, the artist "being Miss E. O. Harris, and the engraving and printing, which is of that soft tone which has become so popular of late, has been done in England. The works are well suited for a place on the drawing-room table, and would make an admirable Christmas present to friends in England. Mr Weyergang is the agent for the publication in New Plymouth. Referring to the non-legalisation of racing sweeps in New Zealand a correspondent writes to the Dunedin Star as follows :—" A great deal has been said for and against big sweeps being legalised in New Zealand, but in reality I think the majority is in favor of this desirable course, when we come to consider the thousands of pounds sent out of the country annually for investment in that particular line, which undoubtedly is a great loss to us. It is human nature to gamble, and you can never suppress it by law. I would like to suggest that the Government legalise big sweeps and charge a percentage upon the total amount subscribed, to go towards the cost of supporting our charitable institutions. This, I believe would oe a move in the right direction, and one which I trust will engage the attention of our new members of Parliament." Between Auckland and Wellington there is no better place to get your furnishing done than at Dingle & Corke's furniture mart, Devon-street, New Plymouth, where new arrivals can obtain everything they will require to furnish a home in any style, and at pricefc quite as low as in the larger towns. — Advt. Attention is directed to Messrs Ambury and Tring's advertisement on our fourth page. — Advt.