TOWS EDITION.

Evening Star, Issue 3818, 20 May 1875, Page 3

TOWS EDITION.

POLITICAL.

Rumor says that Mr Bastings has, so far, succeeded in his negotiations for the formation of a Government that there will be associated with himself,as Provincial and Goldfields Secretary, Mr Fish as Treasurer, Mr Wood as representing Southland, and Mr Sumpter as representing the Northern district. It is not said to whose charge the Worksdepartmentistobegiven or whether a separate portfolio will be created; but it is understood that the Provincial Solicitorship is to be made non-political, and the duties undertaken by Mr Haggitt. The “ Mataura District Reform League ” seeks to oppose the return at the general election of Sir F. D, Bell on two grounds—his views on the abolition question, and his views on the land question not being “calculated to settle an agricultural population on the waste lands, but if carried out they would put both the pastoral and agricultural land in possession of large monopolists to the great injury of the country ; also, because he, being a large runholder, cannot represent the opinions •f the district, as his interests are directly opposed to those of the residents.” Referring to the League’s action, the ‘ Southland Times says“ The electors of Mataura want a man who is sound on the great "question of the day, and who will join in overthrowing the baneful system of Provincialism. They want a man of tried sagacity and political experience, and of influence, to aid them when contending with hostile interests. As yet there are no tidings of a competitor to Sir Francis who can better commend ©n these grounds to the constituency.”