LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 142, 15 May 1884, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There has been a fearful locust plague m North Queensland. The Otago Times says that if Sir Julius Yogel re-enters (.he House, he can, if he J likes, be Premier of the Colony m three months' time. The s.s. Wakatipu, which sailed from Wellington for Sydney direct on Saturday ,took 83 horses and 15 head of cattle from the South. There were 19 Chinese passengers also from the south on board. It is probable (says the Wanganui Herald)that there will be four candidates out for the Rangitikei seat m the next election, namely, Mr J. Stevens, the present member ; Mr R. Bruce, who was nominated at the Fox meeting ; and Messrs G. Arkwright, of Marton, and Donald Frazer, of Bulls, who are both spoken of as candidates. In his address to his constituents at Marton, Mr Stevona ii*tini»tod-tl>«*- hehad determined to withdraw from the firm of Messrs Stevens and Gorton, m order that he may have more time- at his disposal to devote to Ins political duties. It is understood that the Government party during their recent tour through the northern portion of this islaud came across large forestres of totara, matai, and also large quantities of stone suitable for railway ballasting purposes bliiulc birch was come across near Murimotu. Tho Wainuiomata water has been turned on but one pipe after another has been bust by the unwonted pressure. Some doubt has been raieed as to whether Sir J. Yogel is legally qualified to be elected as a member of the House. It is iardly likely that a politician of his experience would offer his services if there were this fatal obstacle to theii being of use, and we believe it will be found that he is on the roll of one of the Southern electorates, and so fully qualified for election. In reference to the report which is telegraphed that the Parihaka natives have lately been selling their horses, with a view of resuming Te Whiti's monthly political meetings. The Post say b it cannot find that the Native Department has received any such news, and its accuracy, therefore, is doubtful.