The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1891.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9207, 8 October 1891, Page 2

The Taranaki Herald. PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1891.

The result of the Waikato election can j hardly be looked upon as a test of public opinion witb regard to the Ministerial policy ; for neither of the candidates, if we can judge by their speechea, were inclined to side with tbe Government. It is true that Mr Bryce went to the Waikato to help his friend, Mr Lake, but that only ahowa how popular the former gentleman is with the public, when, by his presence, he could influence so many votes for the candidate whose interest he supported. Soon after Mr Bryce's resignation it was freely proclaimed by the Ministerial supporters that the Government would put up a candidate to contest every election that occurred. If this was correct they must have abandoned that intention with regard to Waikato, and allowed two gentlemen who were decidedly opposed to their policy to contest the seat without any interference on their part. Mr Lake was, however, very pronounced in his views, denouncing in his speeches the policy and doings of the Ministry ; but his return, though unfavourable to the Government, cannot be said to be any loss, as the present member only replaces one in the Opposition ranks. The election for a seat at Chriatchurch will, however, be slightly different, for the vacancy has occurred through the resignation of Mr Perceval, who has been appointed Agent-General, and was a strong supporter of the present Government There are three candidates up for the seat — one representing no party (Mr Eden George), who, it is said, has but a poor chance ; Mr Smith, who is opposed to the Government ; and Mr Sandford, an officer ■of one of the Trade Societies, who, therefore, as a labour candidate, may be said to bo a supporter of the present Ministry. There was some slight blunder made by tho Returning Officer over this election, but it has been rectified by an Order-in-Council, and as the Governor, with the consent of the Executive Council, has declared the notices given are sufficient and all the nominations valid, the election will come off as if no mistako had been made. These elections are watched with some interest, for public opinion is to be guaged by their results.

The monthly meeting of tho Taranaki County Council was held on Wednesday. The business, a report of which has been held over, was of an ordinary routine natsre. A Press telegram from Melbourne states that at Flemington on Wednesday Survivor ran away from Scarpia, traversing four furlongs in 52secs. Bungebab, bearing a 'much improved appearance on previous foroi, spun over five furlongs in lmin s±secs. Meloß, with Gatling, put in strong work, Melos going particularly well. Owing to the victory of Glenloth at Epsom, he has advanced to 100 to 8 (taken) for the Caulfield Cup. Bungebah is still favorite for this event, but 4 to 1 is offered against bim. On Wednesday afternoon the Harbour Board met and discussed the question of repairing the dredge with the foretnan, Mr Gill banks. Tho foreman reported that he had engaged a boiler maker, Mr Roberts, to put the new tubes that were necessary in the boiler, and he estimated that this work would be dono in tho course of 10 days. When the repairs are completed the dredge will bo put- to work, as the members of the Board ore full alive to the importance of keeping a good entrance to the harbour. The dredge will be kept at work until the arrival of the Oamaru dredge, which it is understood, will be worked by the Government. ! A general meeting of the Pioneer Cycling Club was held at the White Hart Hotel on Wedesday night. There was a large attendance of members. Mr Hislop was in the chair. Messrs C. O'Carroll, Ad. Goldwater, A. D. Gray, D. Teed, C. Ward, and T. Callaghan were elected new members. Mr R. B. Roy wrote resigning his position as a Vice- President and the Captain of the Club. Mr H Kivell wrote resigning hia position as Committeeraan The resignations were accepted. The election of a second Vice-President was deferred. MrS. Teed was elected captain, and Mr Gray waa elected to the Committee The prizes won in the recent roid races were presented by Mr T. A. Murphy (Vice-President), to Messrs J. Bennett (first), and J. Raruson (second). On account of Messrs H. Inch and C. Lever being equal for third place, it was decided to arrange a three mile handicap race for them to be run on October 22. A suggestion that the Club should have "meets" for runs was left to the Committee. On Wednesday afternoon the Taranaki County Council met Messrs Marchant, McGregor, and Malone (representatives of the Stratford County Council), for the purpose of discussing the adjusting of the accounts between the two counties. The 1 Controller and Auditor-General, Mr Fitzgerald, who will make tho adjustment, was present. A discussion arose as to the j period to which an adjustment should refer back. The Auditor-General expressed I tho opinion that the adjustment should only refer back to the time that the partition of the Turanaki County was made, and the Stratford County formed. The work of adjustment was then proceedoi with, and practically finish d that afternoon. Mr Fitzgerald returns to Wellington on Friday ; and will, it is understood, forward his statement from j there.