POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 450, 6 August 1879, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

A meeting of Major Atkinson’s supporters was held in the Albion Hotel on Saturday evening,- when the following resolution was carried unanimously : “ That this meeting requests Major Atkinson to express his views to the electors of the district as soon as possible.” A telegram having been sent to the Major embodying the foregoing resolution, a reply was received to the effect that as soon as the House rose, Major Atkinson would come to the district for the purpose of addressing the electors.

Mr G. F. Sherwood's supporters met in front of the Court House the same evening. Mr Sherwood addressed the assemblage, and condemned the action

taken by those gentlemen who had signed the requisition convening the meeting of Major Atkinson’s supporters. After Mr Sherwood had spoken at some length on the drawback of not haring a local member in the House of Representatives, the,following resolutions were unanimously carried :—“ That this meeting declines to pledge itself to support Major Atkinson, and is strongly of opinion that a change of representation is desirable,” “That Mr Sherwood, having the confidence of the settlers, be asked to stand for the Egmont constituency.” Three cheers for Mr Sherwood brought the meeting to a close. The Wellington correspondent of the raranaki//emfd says—“ Major Atkinson has authorised me to state that he stands for his old seat —Egmont. He will be opposed, I am told, by Mr Sherwood, but his election is certain. Mr Kelly will also stand for New Plymouth, as a supporter of the Opposition, and probably Colonel Trimble will be asked to stand for Grey and Bell. lam informed on good authority that the Government intend running one of their men against Mr Kelly, for New Plymouth, and also against Major Atkinson. They boast of being certain to carry two out of the three seats in Taranaki.”