THE COMING ELECTIONS.

Observer, Volume XVI, Issue 920, 22 August 1896, Page 20

THE COMING ELECTIONS.

The lateßt news from Wellington ia that the close of the session is at hand, and that preparations for the general elections immediately afterwards are proceeding apace. This indicates an early period of great political activity. So far as can at the present time be jndged t the elections will take place in the month of November. In every centre of population, the registration of voters is proceeding vigorously, and political societies are girding on their armour, and candidates are choosing themselves or being chosen. -And yet there are no defined party lines. There are no great issues at stake, unless it be the one of Prohibition. Up till the present time, the question at stake is oue of men and not measures. And unless things change speedily, the elections will be fought on the persoual grounds of Seddon versus Stout, or Eussell versus Seddon. It is a kind of triangalar duel. Twenty-three candidates are understood to have definitely resolved upon the fight for Auckland City. But beyond Messrs Thomas Thompson and George Fowlds, none of the twenty-three have definitely declared themselves Po9Bibly, though, the next week or two will see other candidates in the field. Things are looking a bit active in the Eden electorate. Mr Edwin Mitchelson bas resolved to retire from active political life, after having faithfully served the country for nigh on to twenty years. His mantle has descended upon Mr Bollard, who represents the same side in politics, and wno will have solid support from his party. Opposed to him is Mr Malcolm Niccol, the ouly other candidate announced so far. Mr Niccol has taken an active part in local politics, and has been several times Chairman ot the Harbour Board. He was a candidate for the same seat at the last general elections, and went very nearly winning it. Mr Niccol was an avowed supporter of the Government at the last elections, and will probably be their choice this time. Or possibly there may be a straight-out Government candidate. It is early enough yet.

Such changes have been made io the Upper Thamea electorate that the constituency will be almost exclusively a mining one. Consequently, if Mr Kelly stands at all, he will probably go. for the East Coast seat. Mr Edwin Edwards is the first candidate in the field. He is a popular journalist of Paeroa, hi 3 large mining interests, bas engaged considerably in local politics, and now comes forward solely in the'goldfields interests. We wait with interest to hear his political views.

The result of Mr Rendell's guessing competition appears in our - advertising columns. Ex-Governor Hopetoun at Home is telling stories of his littie experiences of Australia He tells of one provincial Mayor who declared at a banquet giaced by His Excellency— 1 'Is Hexcellency 'a3 bin the best Gavner we've "ad in Victoria. He goes up an' down layin' the foundations of our young men.' Mr Herman Roth, massage specialist, is again in Auckland. He has fitted up rooms at 80.), Victoria Arcade, corner of Queen knd Shortland-streets, for tho reception ancl treatment of patients. Mr Roth has treated several leading citizens with great success. Dr.Youl,the Melbourne.coroner thus philosophises : — 'When you are as oid asi am you will know that witnesses do not speak the truth. Indeed, according to my experience, they never lie at their best until they art. bound by oath to speak the truth.' Dr. Yout likewise says that * all women are liars, aud more subtle liars than men.' If ■ so, ie is because women pretend virtue in everything, and the average man only in the witness-box. Sir A. W. Gannon, of ?,OiA>, Victoria Arcade, whose plans of mining properties for tlie Home market have attracted a good deal of attention, has entered into partnership with Mr Thomas Gooch, M.E. This latter gentleman has had an experience of mining matters ranging from West Australia, through the eastern Australian colonies, winding jip with being closely identified with several important works in the Upper Thames, notably the low level heading now being driven by the old Golden Cross. He is also a competent draughtsman. Those who require to use Spectacles will find a very large assortment to suit almost any sight at Miller's Fancy Repository, 110, Victoria-street. . Prices to suit any pocket, viz., 6d, 9d 1/- and 1/6 per pair ; Real English Pebbles, 3/9 per pair. Coloured Spectacles for sun and dust, 6d and 1/- per pair, sent post free to any address in New Zealand. Anyone mentioning this paper when purchasing or sending will have a case value for 6d presented to him. — Advt.