POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2138, 10 November 1875, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

As the elections draw nearer—as they must do whatever the time may be when they actually take place—some pieces of gossip are confirmed while others are shown to hare been without foundation. One of those which has received its confirmation, and is therefore no longer rumor, is that Mr J. McCosh Clark, will, in answer to a request of the electors of City East, Auckland, stand for that borough, his only opponent at present being Mr W. L. Eees. Mr O'Connor, in an address to the electors at Westport announced, his intention of again standing for theßuller, so rumor is by no means uncertain, as regards his intentions. It has been tele« graphed that the residents of Alexandra are not unanimous in the opinion that Mr F. "Whitaker is the best candidate available; but it remains to be seen, whether another, and if. so) who, will be started in opposition. As Sir F. Bell, according to report, does not intend to seek re-election for Mataura Mr Calder, with views favorable to Abolition, is mentioned as his successor. It is known that Mr C. O'Neill has written to

the Thames seeking for support; we hear it is a case of his finding none. The Auckland Star considers that Mr .Robert Graham will have a good chance if he comes forward for our district. Mr W. H. Watt is spoken of for Rangitikei; Mr Pharazyn to oppose Sir Julius Yoge! for the second seat at Wanganttiv Mr Ormond for Cliye. At Napier the Mayor Mr R. Stuart, and Captain It? W. Russell, have issued addresses to electors, and these; with Sir Donald McLean,' if he stands, as is most probable he will, make three candidates for two seats. At Nelson the late R. M., Mr J. Sharpe, is said to be a candidate, and with him Mr Curtis.. Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Luckie are also mentioned,

..Our Auckland' correspondent ..supplies the following mems. of gossip from the City:—Major Atkinson is here " dodging " about amongst the electors. He had the " honor " of an introduction to Mr Constable of Waiuku, who promised to get Mr Buckland returned. How consoling, considering that Mr Buckland has 250.000 acres of land to get rid of in the Waikato and that another sale to tho Government at merely "a nominal price" would bo very advantageous., It is not to be wondered that both himself and Sam Jackson should go flying about in the interests of the Government.

The numerous promises which it is reported the late Mr A. Clark received from the Goylrnment whin he was ■ induced to retire five years ago to mafce-roomffor Mr Vogel, and which, were never kept,. have had I have no doubt a good deal to do with his son's present candidature, and if Mr J. M. Clark will only boldly announce, himself itt-jfavprj^of^separation and the ousting of hhe preset-land 'jobbing Government, his chances of election will be considerably enhanced. Sir Geo. Grey, it is expected, will in a few days address a monster meeting, and..propound*.as-leader of. the.Oppositi^n,|the^|«olicy ;|f -the piarty. .|- | * ?:S6 aiixiousi-wcreß both tne-Premier and Defence Minister to throw " cold water " on Sir George Grey's reception, that instructions were given for no volunteers to appear in uniform, but their mean and; petty action will only raise Sir Geo. Greyj as the "man of the people" in public estimation, and as a consequence lessen the little respect which now, as public men, attach to Sir Donald and his colleague.

Major Atkinson is here for a short time to decids in conjunction with Dr Pollen certain government moves which are now on the political chessboard. The Colonial Treasurer is thinking, perhaps, an Auckland constituency will ask him to become a,'candidate;* The Major is feeling his way for a seat for the Doctor, but I am afraid it is destined not to cpme off; cities, districts, 1 and sscattered places are all finding out that it will become a Colonial disgrace -if -, the whole colony should be governed 'at 'present by Taranaki and Hawke's Bay for any length of time. ..:.;. .. ... .....,.,. , , ;-