POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 452, 20 August 1879, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

The Rangitikei Advocate says :—Mr Bryce’s address is published in the Wanganni Herald. He claims to be an independent politician, and disclaims any political ties binding him to any special parly. Wo arc glad to hear it, as we confess we had some misgivings in the matter, which we are glad to be able to say the truthful, independent ring of Mr JBiyce’s address has removed. Oar irapressio'n was generally entertained in Wanganui, and was strengthened by Mr Ballancc’s repeated and emphatic assertion, made to more than one person there, that “ Mr Bryce dare nob run without him (Mr Ballance).” We were astonished at Mr Bryce not having taken steps to refute such a damaging statement, as he must have known that its getting abroad would utterly ruin his chances of election. Perhaps he had not heard it, though Mr Ballance has been repeatedly heard to make this boast, Mr Bryce’s address docs his political sentiments credit.—We hear that much unfavorable comment is being caused in Wanganui at the course adopted by Mr Ballance, who, though he has been a fortnight in town, moving heaven and earth to secure his return, has not dared to address, a : constituency until Sir W. Pox had opened the way for him. This was just-his. tactics in all previous sessions (in the last he never

opened his monf')* Wait and hear every member speak, then “suck their brains,” as a.member rather inelegantly put it, and deliver a “ brilliant speech.” It may be policy this following np Sir W. Fox, but, it is anything but honourable or chivalrous. It may bo asked, however, what does Mr Baliance know of honour, nobility, or chivalry.—Mr Sherwood’s speech, as reported by himself, is being reported in successive issues of the Wanganui Herald. If that is the kind of stair that elicits votes of confidence, but little credit is reflected on the intelligent discrimination of the audience. —Another candidate is in the field for Egrnont, in the person of Mr Felix McGuire, who has lately been created a d.P. How men like him and Sherwood presume to stand against representatives of the- stamp of Major Atkinson, it is difficult to understand: A Pa tea telegram states that it has been publicly stated that a second paper will be started in Carlyle, in the interests of G. P, Sherwood’s candidature. The new journal will probably bo an offshoot of the Wanganui Herald , as Sherwood has been a blind worshipper of the ex-Coionial Treasurer, of whom the former is a political protege. Now that two locarcandidates have come forward, of Major Atkinson ifi assured. Of the two others, Mr McGuire is far and away the better man, and will doubtless receive considerable support. Sherwood has too many political axes to grind to obtain much confidence ; and the ex-T re usurer’s patronage will damn any small chance of success bo might otherwise have had. People know (hat all he is being put Ibrvvaid for is to worry Major Atkinson ; and they will naturally resent such a peice of officious impertinence, by giving all their support to their late member. A Hawera telegram to the Wanganui Chronicle runs as follows :—The croakers against Major Atkinson turned, round in bis favor last night, after bearing him. He fully explained his action in local matters; would urge the settlement of Waimato at once, and push on with the public works. A vote of confidence was proposed. There was but one against, Max. King, who sounded a war-whoop on behalf of Sir George Grey, and caused much amusement. Major Atkinson’s return is pretty certain.