THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3987, 2 May 1884, Page 4

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

The general election, which must take yjlacc in November, unless tho Ministry are defeated during tho coming session, already excites some attention. Numbers of men are talked of as probable candidates. Tor Wellington City, Messrs Fisher, Hutchison, Johnston, Duthie, Stafford, Newman, Buller, Edwards, Kennedy, McDonald, and several others are mentioned. The Foxton seat will be contested by Mr J. G. Wilson, the present member, by Mr Izard, and probably another, as it has a long, straggling constituency, with many conflicting interests. Mr Mason, M.H.R. for the Hutt, will have to fight Mr Fitzherbert, a son of tho Speaker of the Legislative Council. For tho two Wairarapa seats. Messrs Beetham, Buchanan, Bunny, Burton, Boys, Lowes, and Hawkins, aro likely candidates. In Hawke's Bay Mr Tanner will attempt the task of defeating Mr W. C. Smith, and in Clive Mr Sutton and Captain Russell will fight their battle over again. It is considered pretty certain that Mr Ormond will bo returned fo_ Napier, even if Mr Shcehan or Mr Buchanan fight him for it. The Hon. W. Johnston will leavo for England after the session, and this will give a clear field for tho Manawatu, which constituency Mr M'Arthur, of Feilding, and Messrs Russell and Linton, of Palmerston, will woo. Rangitikei is not thoroughly satisfied with Mr Stevens, and three or four persons are spoken of as being likely to offer themselves for election. Wangamu will bo warmly contested by Messrs Watt, Hutchison, Ballanee, and Carson. Mr Bryce seems to have a strong grip on the affections of his electors. Major Atkinson will certainly meet with opposition, but it seems scarcely probable that any candidate new to fame could beat the Premier, who has certainly not neglected his district. The names abovo given are thoso which are most talked of at the present hour, and as such thoy arc worthy'of note. Between this and the

general election many things will happen and many other men will try to discover what chances they may have. It is asserted that Sir William Fox would very much like to have a seat in this Parliament, to be present to explain and, if necessary, to defend his report on the West Coast Native lands ; but that he will only stand if unopposed. If he adheres to this determination, he will never again enter the House of Representatives, for the publicans will always find someone to run against him. It is also said that he would not care for a seat in the quiet calm of the Lords. Public opinion seems to point strongly to a desire to see the re-election of many of the noted politicians •who were rejected or did not stand at the last general election, among whom are Messrs Stout, Richardson, Ormond, Pitt, Reader Wood, Ballance, and Gisborne. — Lyttelton Times.