Somewhat Mixed.

Manawatu Herald, 24 October 1893, Page 2

Somewhat Mixed.

.' • - 'v •■» .- , A Parliament elected by the people is sometimes a very surprising collection of humanity, but a parliament selected by the Premier would be still more eccentric. It would be most interesting to know what principle, if anyj guides the Premier in the selection of candidates. The three men that he has named for tbe three constituencies around us, differ in every respect as widely as men could differ, unless perhaps in one point, .whioh may be their undertaking, to support the Hon Richard Seddon as Premier or Speaker when the House meets, in return for Government support in securing the £720 prize ! We have shown how absurd it is to call Mr Pirani a Government candidate, as his published views on the political questions of the day are .in opposij tion to the views, of four Ministers. It is on record Mr Pirani's opinions l of Mr Stevens' politioal views, and

no one can imagine their being able fco endorse tho views of a mutual leader. Now we find Mr Seddon anxious to run Mr Donald Fraser in opposition to Mr J. G. Wilson. Previous elections are apparently a sealed book to the Premier, or ho would hardly have expected one of Mr Wilson's supporters to run againsfc him. It is well known that ifc was Mr Donald Fraser's manipulation of the Maori vote six years ago, fchafc enabled Mr Wilson fco poll them to a man. We have bo objection to as nlauy candidates coming forward as may be thought best, bufc if the Government want to test the real feeling of the constituency fchey should gefc one of their oufc and oufc " Liberals " as fchey style themselves, to contest the seat, and not- a Conservative talked over to appear as a Government supporter simply because he can secure whafc influence fche Government can use to secure his return. Ifc becomes evident fchafc the Premier knows the country settlers are not with him, and will gladly claim anyone : who, though not agreeing with his politics, will yet permit him to style him -a Government candidate. Such a collection, if returned, would very soon be Worsted upon the first division of any consequence. The Premier apparently is finding his days of power are numbered, and is making bufc a bungling effort to prop himself up for a short time longer. The Speakership of the House is where he will have to seek a resting place for the coming three years.