THE ASHLEY SEAT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6292, 17 July 1888, Page 3

THE ASHLEY SEAT.

The Plot Thickens.

Mr Marmaduke Dixon has telegraphed to this office, stating his intention to contest the Ashley seat. It was reported yesterday that Mr J. Addinell. aa independent farmer residing^ Weßt Eyreton, who has been of great service to his district in his capacity as Chairman of the district Road Board and School Committee, is to receive an in-flaentially-Bigned requisition to contest the election. A meeting of settlers is to be held at Eangiora to-day, to prepare and forward the requisition. A correspondent write 3 as follows : — As we get near the day of nomination, the interest in this election increases. Mr Horrell has been spoken to, but his modesty induced him fco plead youth and inexperience of public affairs. Mr Higgins has been asked, but he gives no sign. Mr Parlane and Mr Parish, both prominent residents at Oxford, are spoken of, but we have no public utterance from either of these gentlemen. It is stated that no outsider has any chance, and it is even said, in the event of any simple, honest politician from a distance presenting himself — not excepting the undoubted hero of Parihaka —that the. Oxford people are prepared to "run" two candidates, in order to secure the return of a local man, by practising the old electioneering dodge of withdrawing one at the proper moment. Above all, the successful man must possess a tolerably elastic political creed, so as to be able to support the winning eide in Parliament.