The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1884. Political Matters

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 6, 24 June 1884, Page 2

The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1884. Political Matters

*: — I The feeling of excitement generally 1 caused by the near approach of anj election contest is gradually making its appearance. In the Manawatu it may be said that the interest taken in the return of Mr Macarthur is very j considerable, which is attested to by J the nnmerons signatures appearing on : the requisition published in another, column. Mr Robert Bruce has de- 1 termined to enter the lists for the • Rangitikei against Mr J. Stevens and j Mr Arkwright, with the hope of slipping in between the two better known and experienced candidates. Mr Bruce deserves every credit for his pluck. Our Hawera telegrams yester- [ day informed us that it was anticipated ; no one will oppose Major Atkinson, but this is probably mere surmise. A ': aquisition ifc ".eing signed there asking Sir George Grey to "call in" and address the electors when on his way to Auckland. Mr Izard intends to contest the Foxton seat. If Mr J. G. Wilson opposes him, Mr Izard's defeat is almost certain. Mr Wilson, whose whole interest is bonnd up on the coast, has made himself very popular as a member, and the other gentleman is a mere "outsider," with no real interest in the district at all — one who would be an additional member for the Empire city. Mr Eees is not very well satisfied with his defeat at Gisborne, and threatens proceedings against Mr Locke for influencing the electors through paid agents. Sir Julius Vogel has had plenty of seats offered him — the Ashburton, Christchurch North, for which seat it is said he will stand. Feeler** were put out to test his chances for the Manawatu, but drawn in again when it was discovered how small his chances wero , against the local man. Now we ler.rn j that a meeting was called at Waitara last night for the purpose of initiating a requisition for him to stand for Taranaki. Sir Julius appears to have not found favor with the Te Aro electors and Mr Charles Johnston will seek re-elect;'; a for that seat. Mr Whiteley King, a journalist, will do battle against Mr Thomas Kelly for 1 New Plymouth. For Wanganui, Mr Ballanoe will certainly defeat his opponents, Messrs Watts and Hutohi- ! son, if his friends are only loyal to him. Dr Walter Buller haß been coqueting for a requisition asking him I to stand for Manawatu, bnt without result. As thai* gentleman is a stranger and an absentee, his chances of return would depend on the Maori vote. Very few of the Europeans j would support it. We cannot affirm what will be the political platform of any of the candidates nntil they have addressed the electors.