Political Jottings.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1643, 24 February 1886, Page 4

Political Jottings.

[By. Argus.] I see the EeiUing Star is authorised to state that Mr Halcorabe has no intention of contesting the Manawatu seat •with Mr Macarthnr. I presume Mr Halcorube has recognised the discretion of this course. It is not much over a week ago since "several Manawatu electors were judiciously ■ sounded with regard to their opinions of Mr Halcombe's probabk dances. In the majority of instances the reply given was, " Not a ghost of a chance." One or two said "Oh yes. Let Lira come on. The more the merrier." But, sir, Mr Halcombe must know very well that his chance would be about equal to that of Mr Amos Burr at the last contest. And this reminds me that it is freely stated that the same Mr Burr is coining forward again, nothing daunted by the experiences of his last fight, which were of a kind to deter a less venturesome candidate from ever making a second attempt. But Mr Burr will be to the fore again, "as sure as eggs are eggs." And he is going to make it warm for somebody or other. His pluck and perseverance are worthy ot a better cause. I could not but admire' his valour m the Public Hall with heavy odds against him. But would he be so Valiant m the House ? My private opinion is that Manawatu will not return Mr Burr, but also that it would be possible to return a worse man. Mr Macarthnr will .have opposition, without fail. I hear the E. H. Wright affair has somewhat damaged his popularity m Feilding. But why should that be stirred up now ? Our member ha 3 been faithful to his trust, [so far as I know. People say he has private axes to grind. Show me the man who hasn't. So far he has gone straight. I will back your opinion, sif , as you stated at the last election, that "he will yet make his mark m the House." His local government know-' :" ledge and experience are his s.trong points, and a chief qualification m my opinion. Mr Fraser won't face the music again. 1 suppose we will know m due time who the other candidates are to be. I hear there will be three if not four m the field. One from Rangitikei, one trom Feilding, two and perhaps three from Palmerston, possibly one from Awahuri, and the names of others are also mentioned. Well, before many months we more will be m it. I hope the electors will make choice of a good man, apart from personal likes or dislikes. Next session will be q.n important one, and Manawatu must have the best man that can be got. More anon.