Mr W. Shepherd Allen.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 452, 8 March 1890, Page 2

Mr W. Shepherd Allen.

lNourlastifißuewe pub uhed the following cablegram, dated Louba, March Ist: “ Mr Shepherd Allen, who is at present on a visit to the colonies, will be the Unioni-t candi- , date for Stoke-on-Trent, a vacancy for the constituency having arisen by Mr W. Bright resigning.” Referring to this cablegram we said : Mr W.S. Allen has forsome months past been residing cn bis New Zealand property known ns the Annandale estate, Pinko. He is a gentle man of great ability and experience, widely known and highly respected at Home as a politician of the highest rectitude. Although lie lias abstained from tuking an active part in political life for some time past, for no less than twenty years he continuously represented Newcastle-under-Lyme in the British Parliament. We wish Mr Allen could see his way clear to permanently take up his residence in New Zealand, and would be greatly pleased to see him returned for a New Zealand constituency. It is men of his stamp we need as our representatives.” Since the above was published We have interviewed Mr Allen respecting the accuracy of the cablegram referred to and bis future intentions, aud were very pleased to learn from him thfct he lias no intention of returning to England with a view of re-enteiing the British Parliament, Replying to our enquiry as to what could have given rise to the report that he was a eandidete for a Home constituency, Mr Allen said : "The cablegram which appeared in tlieTE Aboha and OHiNKMirm News of Wednesday last, to the effect that I was the Unionist candidate for the Borough of Stoke upou-Trent was a complete surprise to me. Some months ago a deputation waited upon me and earnestly requested me to contest the Borough, in case a vacancy should occur ; but, after taking some time to consider the matter, I sent them a letter declining to contest the seat. About three weeks ago I received an urgent cablegram asking me to re consider my decision/and inviting me to stand, to which I at once cabled back declining to do so, A few days ago I received another urgent cablegram to the same purport as tiie previous one, to which I also cabled back a reply, declining to bo

a candidate, unless in the meantime I had actually beeu nominated ; ae of course in that case it would have been too late for the party to get another candidate. I therefore hope there is no foundation for the cablegram ; as I have no desire to re--enter the House of Commons ; as, after having had a sent in it for twenty-one years, 1 found the late hours and increasing length of the sessions too great a tax on my time and strength.'’ In reply to our enquiry Wbuld he be willing to enter the New Zealand House of Representatives if incited to do so, Mr Allen replied : “ I like New Zealand very much indeed, and 1 should be very pleased to enter your House of Representatives if an opportunity occurred ; as I should be on my own account, and also oh account of my family—to spend the greater portion Of my time in New Zealand.”