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Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9912, 30 November 1899, Page 2

The Wanganui Herald.

[PUBLISHED DAIL?.]

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1899.

THE OUTLOOK.

As the day of polling draws near, the outlook continues to grow brighter for the Liberals in those electorates where they aro not asked to divide their strength by rival candidates for their support. Here in Wanganui the parly has closed up its ranks, and is very hopeful of success, and with good reason, as nil tho committees on that sido are working quietly, but effectively, to ensure a heavy polling in favour of the Liberal candidate on that day. If only the usual average of promises are kept.Mr Willis's return is certain. Tho outlook in the other camp is not so cheerful, and the reason is not far to seek. Mr Carson has had a fair trial, aud been found wanting, nis friends expected great things of him when ho was elected to a seat in tho nouso threo years ago, but wero disappointed, as Mr Carson failed to make his mark in Parliament, for which he had been many years in preparation. He knew all its procedure and standing orders, and wont to tho llouso with a full knowledge of its past history, and should not havo required any apprenticeship to enable him to tako a leading part in its business. But n careful perusal of Hansard during tho timo ho was a member of the Houso of Representatives fails to disclose any proof of his having shown any special ability or statesman-like qualities. Ho voted, it is true, for the Old Ago Pensions Bill against his parly, but it was not because ho liked the measure, but rather to placato a largo number of his constituents who wero in favour of tho Bill, which, lie was aware, would pass by a substantial majority, with which ho voted. Ho was not equally politic when the New Zealand contingent question came up for discussion, as ho opposed the sending of tho men, who, ho declared, wero not wanted in South Africa. With T. E. Taylor and John Hurchcson, who, though elected as Liberals, had seceded from tho party, and joined tho Left Wing, the member for Wanganui spoke against the proposal to send tho New Zealand contingent, but it was carried by an overwholmiiig majority, Captain Russell and other leading members, of the Opposition voting in favour ot it. Those who opposed it have already discovered their mistake, and, no doubt, wish they had not, as it will go far towards their defeat on Wednesday next, all threo having but slender hopes of re-election. Mr Carson's sheet anchor is tho Prohibition vote, which ho hopeß to get almost "en bloc" ; but oven in this ho will be disappointed, as a large number of Prohibitionists aro also Liberals, and refuse to mix tho two questions up, as they rightly contend that tho former is one for tho peoplo to settle on its merits, and has nothing whatever to do with tho work of the country which has to bo dono in Parliament. Taking these circumstances into consideration, we are warranted in predicting a victory for tho Liberal cause in Wanganui on the 6th of December.

Tho outlook as regards tho Patea scat is also improving, and we shall not be at all surprised to see tho Liboral candidate head the poll, as Mr Remington has been gaining ground rapidly during tho last few weeks by his able speeches and straightforward replies to questions. Mr John Stevens, too, has every prospect of again winning tho Rangitikei scat; his opponent (Mr R. C. Bruce) not having mado much headway since the commencement of tho campaign. Tho strugglo for tho Palmerston North seat will bo a very fierce one, as Mr Pirani is determined to contest it to tho bitter end ou the linos lie has of lato adopted ; viz., unbridled denunciation of the Premier and wholesalo condemnation of tho administration of the present Government. Mr Wood, the Liberal candidate, is fiqid '/.fj have a very good chance of winning the seat, Ijufi will be closo pressed by Mr Buick whi again contests the seat in tho Opposition interest, which

moans that tho Left Wing leader need not expect much assistance from that quarter, Tijken all round the Liberal outlook is distinctly encouraging. All that is wanted is unity and energy to n:ako the victory of the party a substantial one.