Wellington.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 72, 3 October 1890, Page 2

Wellington.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Political.

Politically, things are flat, stale, and unprofitable at present. The latter is a quality peculiar to politics at all times —at anyrate to the individual. Nevertheless, there are not wanting signs that the coming contest in the City will be a lively one, and I estimate that for the three vacancies there will be about a dozen aspirants for the shedding of the last drop of their brothers’ blood in the interests of our bleeding country. Of course, lam speaking metaphorically, but the country is “ bled ” all the same. The various sections of the community are marshalling their forces, and we shall be treated to Hie lovely spectacle of “ labour ” candidates, Catholic representatives, single-tax men, protectionists, and free-traders, land-tax v. property-tax prohibitionists et hoc gems omne. I should say, however, that the probabilities are that the City will be much better represented in the new than it has been in the old Parliament, and as an indication I am game to bet £IOOO or a postage stamp—the latter for choice—to a goose egg that none of the old members will be returned, even if they all stand, about which there is some doubt. Mr Menteath has retired, Mr Izard will not be a can-! didate for the City, Dr Newman has collapsed, so that of the old lot there is only the erstwhile “people’s George” Fisher, who is offering himself. The electors are coy of him, however, and he may call the spirits from the vasty deep, but they won’t come. If I may be pardoned, for at this early stage giving a “tip” I should say that Messrs Duthie, Bell, and Frazer, will head the poll. The two former were nominated by a meeting of influential men, and the latter is one of the three selected by the labour party, Messrs T. K. Macdonald and W. McLean being being the other two, I notice that Mr Seymour has been wise in his generation, and has left a clear field for Mr Mills, who, I suppose, will now practically have a walkover for Waimea-Picton. The “ little

arrangement” is now published.. Mr Dodson is tired of politics, and retires, but he recommends “ my friend Seymour” for the seat. Mr Dodson, however, does not descend to particulars and announce that there is a strong probability of his being called to a “fiigher sphere,” and that the reason why he, and not Mr Seymour, retires is the desire of the latter for a seat in the popular chamber. It is well known that Sir Maurice O’Rourke’s seat is not at all secure, and in the event of his being defeated there would be.a vacancy in.the Speakership.... Mr Seymour’s chances (assuming that he obtained a seat) of being elected, to that important position are considered very good. He has for some years been chairman pf the Public Petitions Committees, and has frequently acted as chairman of committee, and although greatly inferior to Sir Maurice it is generally considered that he is as competent, with the exception noted, as any man in the House of discharging the important functions of that office. It is not a matter for surprise, therefore, assuming these premises to be correct, that Mr Seymour is anxious to be returned. But there is a Richmond in the field in the shape (I’m not personal!) of Mr Maoalister. The turn events have taken seem to me to give the latter his opportunity, and if, as he has buckled pn his trusty broadsword, as his forefathers used to do when they went cattle lifting, lie will be a dangerous opponet. Mr Buick, I take it, is an “ unknown quantity” in the contest* He is a young man—cpnfiding, and his experience of human nature as exemplified during an electioneering contest will be extended* He need not say it in his haste; he will have time to reflect on, doubtless to him, another proof of the inspiration of holywrit, in the declaration of one of the most brilliant characters mentioned therein, that all men are liars! i lie Strikes. A few words about the labour agitation will close this week's letter. The most impprtant item in connection with the movement is the demonstration that took place on Saturday last. To keep up the enthusiasm of the men, the leaders arranged a monster demonstration on that day, when between 7QO aud BQQ unionists marched through the street in procession. The weather was wet, and taking into consideration the fact that so many ablebodied men had voluntarily left remunerative employment for nothing more nor less than a piece of sentiment, the turn opt was a mps|; depressing phe, The situation. However, was not without humour.-nThe procession was headed by a couple of young fellows, astride Jerusalem ponies, dressed as niggers. What part in the. economy of the concern they were ip tended tp illustrate was difficult to understand, bpt the buffoonery seerped strangely out pf place. A couple pi bands accompanied the procession, pud banners in profusion were • displayed. Two pf the men carried a gallows bn which was suspended an effigy, on the

legend “ Free Labourer,” and on the back “Blackleg.” In due time'this was consigned to the flames, and the wrath of the multitude was appeased thereby. The episode, I suppose, was symbolical of the fate that awaited non-unionists should they fall into the power of the strikers. The evidence of the collapse of strike becomes stronger every day; indeed, there is but little to denote its presence. Still, it is to be hoped that the Conference which commences its sittings on Wednesday will result in a settlement of the dispute in a manner satisfactory to both sides.