THE PELORUS GUARDIAN TUESDAY, DECEMBER. 9, 1890. THE ELECTIONS. The Waimea-Picton Contest.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 89, 9 December 1890, Page 2

THE PELORUS GUARDIAN TUESDAY, DECEMBER. 9, 1890. THE ELECTIONS. The Waimea-Picton Contest.

The result of the above election was no more than what we expected,though we did not anticipate Mr Mills to obtain quite such a large majority. We have to offer him our hearty congratulations on his success in obtaining one of the highest positions it is within the power of his fellow-men to confer, and we feel assured that the same energy, determination, and straightforward conduct which lias characterised his actions on the present occasion will merit the confidence of the electors in the future. Now the election is over we can only hope that any thing which may have been said or done during the heat of the contest which has caused irritation on one side or the other will be buried in the ashes of the past. _ As is nearly always the case at election times, the excitement was pretty intense when the booths were closed, and everybody was anxious to hear the result, but so far as Havelock was concerned the excitement was not of long duration, for as the numbers went up at the Court-house, and those of Canvastpwn, Deep Creek, Okaramio, and Picton became known there seemed to be no doubt as to the result, as it was generally thought quite certain that Cullensvil’le, which could not be obtained for a long time, would add largely to the majority already to Mr Mills’ credit. With the exception of a little disturbance on the part of the Maoris, who got to blows over the matter, and for which one of them had to pay a pound for his night’s lodging, every thing passed off pretty quietly in Havelock ; but we believe the excitement was much greater at CuUensville and Picton, where flour was distributed free gratis for nothing.

Other Electorates

One of the greatest surprises to most people was the victory gained by Mr Buick over Messrs Seymour and Maoalister, for the Wairau, and another was the close contest between Messrs Ballance and Carson, for the Wanganui seat, and the defeat of Sir Maurice O’Rorke for Manukau. The closest contest was, however, between Messrs Drake and E. Reeves, for Inangalma, where the former only secured a majority of one. That Mr Hislop should be defeated was generally thought certain, and he will not find many sympathisers on account of his treatment of District Judge Ward. It is not very often that father and sou sit in the same Parliament, but in the present one Mr W. Hutchison, who has been elected for Dunedin is the father of Mr G. Hutchison, who has been returned for Waitotara, The former was at one time member for Wellington, and was called “ the people’s William,” and the latter got his name up over what is known as the “ Hutchison charges.”

The New Parliament

The result of the elections has. been, the complete defeat of the Atkinson party, and in fulfilment of the promise made, we suppose tho Ministry will tender their resignation. After giving the Ministry all doubtfuls and independents, and including the Maori members, there are only 34 the Ministry could depend upon under the most favorable circumstances, which leaves 33 absolutely declared against them, or a minority of 5 ; but we think really they are in a minority of 10, and it must be remembered that this is a large number when it is taken into consideration tbsre are now only 74 members. The labour representatives are also in strong force, there being no less than 18 who have been elected on that ticket, the large towns returning no less than iO out of 12. There are also 41 members returned who sat in the last Parliament, leaving 22 new members, and about 10 who sat in a previous Parliament, a much larger majority of new blood than has ever been returned before at one time. Taking tho new Parlialiaraent altogether there will bo a complete change, whether for good or ill remains to beseen.

Old Membsns

Whenever a stranger visited the Ifonse the first question asked when they §afc (j.qwn was, “ which is Sir George Grey T- Sometimes when bo was pointed out to them ami tfyey pw an old man bent with age sitting in a far corner, a look of disappointment would come over their faces; because they had come with the idea of seeing a giant in stature, and not an intellectual giant, However, the same question may bo askod again ; but we do not suppose it will ever be answered, for tho great man who guided the dqstin/es qf the colony in its infancy, and oil off’ fq r forty-fa up yam has taken an'active part'in his best for its inhabitants will not again take his seat in the House. Then W 9 have lost, for at lonst possibly thi’pe years,

the services of one of the best Speakers who. ever sat in, the chair-—Sir Maurice O’Rorke—and the old familiar form, of Vincent Pyke will be greatly missed from his place. In place of these there will be the Hon. Mr Rollesfcon and Mr W. L. Rees, the latter on one occasion spoke for 21-| hours, so that a writ could be served on Sir Julius Vogel for appointing eight Ministers.

The Speakenship.

Who will occupy the position of Speaker is a question which is ratherdifficult to answer, but as Major Hamlin has been Chairman of Committees he has no doubt a good claim for the position. The man, however, who would command the greatest respect from both sidesof the House is the Hon. Mr Rollestoir, being a gentleman; by birth, J education,' and nature, and we believe if lie were ' appointed the selection would meet ’with universal approval.

The New Ministry.

We take it for granted that Sir Harry Atkinson will resign, and that Mr Ballance will be sent for to form a new Ministry, the composition of which is impossible to foreshadow, but possibly Messrs Rees, Fisher, Seddon, G. Hutchison. W. C. Smith, Perceval, Reeves, and. Steward will have a say in the matter. We’ cannot, however, say there is a very good choice on the Opposition side, and we should not be surprised to see a coalition Ministry formed, in which case Messrs Rolleston, Bryce, and Macarthur, would be amongst the formost.