ELECTORAL NOTES.

Evening Star, Issue 3992, 10 December 1875, Page 2

ELECTORAL NOTES.

Mr Leonard Harper has been most favorably received by the electors of the Cheviot district at Kaikouri and Amuri. Mr Ward is not likely to oppose him. Mr Wakefield has announced his intention to address the electors of Christchurch in open air in Cathedral Square this evening, but it has been raining heavily all the afternoon. (l ,s ur Palmerston correspondent telegraphs ihe electors of Palmerston at a meeting last evening passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Mr George M‘Lean.”

Mr Luckie publishes an address, stating that his business engagements will prevent his coming forward again for the city of Nelson.

The ‘Bruce Herald* understands that Mr Henry Howorth is desirous of wooing the Dunedin electors on the Provincial ticket ; and that if he thought he had any chance he would at once announce himself as a candidate. 1b ere are three candidates, all abolitionists, for the Picton seat. The contest lies between Captain Kenny, the late member, and Mr Joseph Godfrey. Mr Joseph Ward is likely to be re elected for the Wairau. Mr Wakefield addressed a large meeting of the electors at Geraldine. The disposal of the runs at the expiration of leases is the most exciting topic Geraldine, and a number of squatters attended the meeting. Mr Wakefield advocated a uniform waste lands law for the whole Colony, the runs to be leased to the present occupiers on payment of a bonus of 9.1 per sheep and a rent of fid per sheep annually. He also proposed the employment of convict labor on the Timaru breakwater. Mr N. M'Donald, a squatter, proposed a vote of confidence. Mr Migon, a farmer, seconded it, and it wis carried unanimously. Mr Reeves addressed the electors of the Solwyn district last night. He spoke in favor of a modification of the present Provincial form of Government, and said the battle ground on which the question of local government would be fought out next session was centralism against decentralism, and he would always be found on the side latter. Ho supported free Slate secular education which should bo compulsory as far as practicable—tho funds to be provided out of tho con clidated revenue of the Colony. Ho advocated the assessment of tho runs, and then offering them to the existing holders at the increased price. Ho was in-favor of triennial Parliaments and a property tax when further taxation became necessary. Ho would oppose any system of nominated boapda, _ and had an inclination towards an elective Upper House for a comparatively long term. A motion pledging the meeting to support Mr Beeves was carried by a large majority. Cheers were given for Sir J. Vogel Sir G. Grey, and Mr Beeves. There is not hkely to be any opposition to Mr Reeves, Discussing the chances of any candidates who may be brought forward for Waitaki. the N. °. Times says There is a section, holding views a* extremeat ultra-Provincialist goula desire but although earnest and even enthusiastic, they for n a very small minority of the electors generally. Of Insular Separation's, qr IWQ1 WQ Provmoe-ista, there is a larger section, but they also are greatly in, the minority. Pu ting these and tho ultra-Provin-ciahsts together, we do not anticipate that they will be able, supposing there should be a candidate representing the Macaudrew-Grey party, to return him for one of the seats, as against candidates holding to the Abolition platform, even though all plumped for their man.” Whether or not Mr Steward will .stand again will depend entirely upon his business arrangements ; and it is just possible that these may pi event Ids offering himself for re-election. Should it prove so, the loss to the distriot wil be great, for a more gealous or hard working member than Ml’ Steward it could not have.