THE BRUCE ELECTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1890, 23 April 1892, Page 2

THE BRUCE ELECTION.

We are indebted to an occasional correspondent at Milton, who wrote yesterday, for the following : —

As time passes, and the fateful day draws near, tbe interest in the Bruce election continues to deepen. The candidates, too, are not allowing the grass to grow under their feet, and are moving hither and thither with a restless energy that only the excitement of politics can impart, addressing meetings of electors nightly, and during the day on the wing for a new perch for the evening. Since the campaign opened, not an evening has passed that the candidates have not been at the same hour, though in different parts of the electorate, unbosoming themselves to "the free and independent." On Saturday evening, Mr Allen addressed a largely-attended meeting at Kaitangata, and was succeeded by Mr Smith at tbe same place on Monday evening. Both were well received, and both were accorded the usual votes of thanks and confidence. On Tuesday evening Mr Allen addressed at Stirling one of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings ever held in that district. He met with a splendid reception, and was accorded a unanimous vote of confidence. On Thursday evening Mr Smith spoke at Stirling, and although his remarks were well received, the vote at the close of his address was restricted to one of thanks only. Taieri Mouth and Waihola have also been visited by both candidates, who were well received, each receiving a full measure of the customary tribute at the close of their speeches. To-morrow evening (Saturday) the Hon. John M'Kenzie is to speak in Milton in Mr Smith's interests, though it is highly improbable that anything he may say will have the slightest effect in changing the current of popular feeling which in Milton and the surrounding districts runs very strongly in favour of Mr Allen. On this point there can be no mistake ; and were his chances in other parts even not as rosy as they are, his majority around here would carry him through in safety. But it is known, at least there is every indication on which it is safe to rely in such matters, that in all the other parts of the district he will out-poll his opponent among the farmers. It is hard to see, then, not only what is to prevent him from winning, but what is to prevent him from doing so with a majority that will give Mr Lee Smith a sickener of politics and a love of retirement until, at leaat, his lacerated feelings have been allowed some time to heal. But as regards the Hon. John M'Kenzie, his is not by any means a name to conjure with among the farmers, however differently people may think on the subject. The fact is the name of John M'Kenzie has Jbeen trailed about from platform to platform and mouthed at meeting after meeting until the people turn away from the sound of it in sheer disgust. The whole of Mr Smith's speeches are fulsome tributes to John M'Kenzie, his noble character, his great mind, his benevolence, bis special love of the farmers, and his tenderness for the whole human race. In fact, it is all John M'Kenzie ; with Lee Smith nowhere. His great mistake has been in so sinking his individuality, effacing himself in favour of John M'Kenzie and his land policy. The electors naturally don't care about sending into Parliament as their representative a man who has politically enslaved himself, who has handed himself over, bound hands and feet, to John M'Kenzie, and is not even ashamed to avow it and openly proclaim the pitiable condition he has reduced himself to. Nor is the visit of the Hon. John himself likely to improve things. On the contrary, people are beginning to ask themselves why Ministers, instead of this uncalled for interference, do not attend to the affairs of their offices, for which they are paid princely salaries.