The Manawatu Seat

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 12, 31 January 1884, Page 2

The Manawatu Seat

Whilb the vacant seat of the Selwyn has had the eyes of the whole Press of the Colony fixed upon it, that of the Manawatu, which has been daily expected to become vacant, is receiving no attention whatever. The reason is probably this — that as the position of the Government is so insecure tbey are not at all likely to allow the Hon. Walteb Johnston to resign until it is perfectly clear as to whether the seat will fall to a friend or foe. The knowledge of this fact is apt to prevent any general attention from being directed to the Manawatu. We have no official knowledge, of any probable candidates, when, the seat is declared vacant, but we are aware of the intentions of one gentleman to contest the election against all comers, whether for the Government or against it. ' As he is possessed of large interests in the Counties of Manawatu and Oroua, as we 1 as in the Boroughs of Palmerston and Feilding, and is also a gentleman of wellknown administrative abilities, we believe he will be the chosen of the people. We are all heartily disgusted with playing the contemptible part of a mere pocket borough for any Government. We desire and intend to be independently represented. Our experience of the Hon. Walteb Johnston has taught us a lesson that will not be soon forgotten. Any stranger that comes forward as a candidate in opposition to the local man will need" the most extraordinary abilities and influence tp put him at the head of thepoli