The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1881.

Kumara Times, Issue 1447, 18 May 1881, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening. WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1881.

The electors of the Grey Valley have not as yet had their political feelings roused to boiling point in connection with the coining election to till the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Masters. Of course it is generally known that Mr Fitz Gerald has announced himself as a candidate, but there are several “ dark horses” who will consent to be nominated. A Wellington telegram states that Mr Martin Kennedy will probably be a candidate, but we are not aware on what autho-

rity such a statement is based. The address of Mr FilzGerald is as barren as can well be imagined, but it must not for a moment be supposed that it contains anything like even an epitome of his political opinions. Up to the present time we have not known him as a politician, but we know that he made a most fair and impartial Warden and Magistrate. In the event of his return it will be somewhat interesting to observe the line he will take up in the House with regard to a certain member but for whom he would have still retained his official position. It is possible that there will be lively times in the coming session. In Nelson, the resignation of Mr Acton Adams causes a vacancy in the electorate of Nelson City. Like MiMasters he has had to abandon political life on account of ill-health ; but, unlike him, he did not hold the same position in the House. The electors of Nelson never made a greater mistake than when they rejected Mr Curtis, who had represented them for about twenty years in one capacity or another-. The chances are very much in favor of Mr J. C. Richmond having a walk-over when the nomination day comes on. It is true that he has for a good many years been absent from the colony, having been in Algeria and other places in the meantime; but he belongs to one of the reigning families of New Zealand, and his friends’ influence is believed to be sufficiently powerful to secure him the seat in the event of a ■contest. When he was Native Minister twelve or thirteen years ago, he was mainly remarkable for cutting down his own travelling expenses to the lowest (possible limits. When 'travelling upon Government service, he was often known to sleep under a dray rather than incur the expense of a bed in an hotel. If he is elected now, in all probability he will be offered his old portfolio, and considerable changes in the Native Department may be looked for.