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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4609, 29 December 1875, Page 2

No one who knows Mr. Vincent Pyke would be surprised at anything he says or does. His parliamentary career has not reflected credit on. hiin, nor has it been complimentary to the good sense of the constituency which returned him. After one fiery speech, in which he promised to die on the floor of the House sooner than let the Abolition Bill pass last session, he turned into quite a fervid supporter of the Government so saon as the Abolition Bill was brought forward. He has now shifted round again. Evidently being of the same opinion as ourselves regarding the credit he did the Wakatipu constituency, he did not care to seek re-election for that district, but has come out for the Dunstan, and recently addressed the electors at Cromwell. According to a report of his speech—" He expressed his approval of Mi-. Macandrew's policy, excepting that Mr. Pyke wanted one province in each island, but would accept two; and Mr. Macandrew wanted two, but would accept one. These views appeared to surprise the audience. He advocated the abolition of the Customs, and the substitution of an income tax. He declared his opposition to the present Ministry, and that an economical Government could save a quarter of a million yearly. He would accept anything rather than government from Wellington. The North Island is capable of paying its share, if only energetic and less dependent on Government aid. He would cut up the runs on the expiration of the leases. He would not alter the constitution of the Upper House. He would advise the abolition of the gold duty, notwithstanding a proposed subsidy thereon. He would tax wool, He was severely questioned by Mr. MoKellar as to his votes compared with his present' statements, and on the. education reserve clauses in the Bill. A vote of thariks was accorded. A confidence vote was withdrawn." No wonder that after this we find the Otago Daily Times stating that Mr. Pyke's candidature is unfavorably received.

Me. W. L. Kees, at candidate for Auckland (Jity East, will be a decided novelty in the House if he should be returned, and the Auckland Star has found in him a man after its own heart, and gives him the following recommendatory notice, which ought to ensure his rejection by any constituency : —" We have long thought Mr. W. L. Eees a necessary complement to Sir George Grey in the Assembly. Sir George Grey is altogether too gentlemanly for dealing with the brute 3 with whom he has been compelled to herd in the field of legislation. And we have often pictured to ourselves; two or three of these ignorant nincompoops worriting the leader of the Opposition, and then Mr. Rees rushing at them open-mouthed and literally chawing them up. There will not be a more slashing, fearless speaker in the Assembly, and kept judiciously in check by Sir George Grey, he will make the Treasury benches a pretty lively place for their occupants. City West has the honor of sending the most prominent member of the House, and City East will have the honor of sending a man to fill up what is wanting in Sir George Grey and to deal with the political ruffians after the fashion most suited to their peculiar sensibilities."