POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 150, 16 June 1908, Page 2

POLITICAL.

■ THE OROUA SEAT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Feilding, Last Night. Mr Owen C. Pleasants, who unsuccessfully contested the Oroua seat at the last general election as Government candidate, has again been selected to stand in the Liberal interest. The Opposition candidate is not yet selected, there being two, Messrs. D. 11. Guthrie and A. H. Atkinson, in the field at the present time. 1

, °. n ' -M' Hills has intimated that lie intends retiring from politics and will not be a. candidate at the »eueral elections. Mr. Mills has in his day done yeoman's work on, the Liberal side of the House. In the early days of Mr. Seddon's Premiership (sa.vs the Elthani Argus) Mr. Mills had, in his official position as whip, most difficult duties to perform. In those days the Opposition was strong, and political life was strenuous, all-night sitting)* anil long stonewalls l>ein<* of frequent occurrence. Jii those trying days Jlr. Mills had 1 rightfully hard times; lirst to arrive and last to leave was his custom. He never lost his temper but always liad a cheery smile and hearty salutation for everybody. "Charley," as lie was always called, was popular with both sides of the House, his kindy nature and genial character endearing him In :ill, and when lie attained IMiiii -1 I honors it was felt that he had •■ '. •(! hard for (he position and had bii: ,! upon it. He is New Zealand-burn,-and intends next year taking a trip to tiie Old Country with his wife, who deservedly shares his -popularity. T many friends will wish them « 1 • ■

holiday. The lion. 0. H. Mills uddre»,ed i,i, constituents tit Blenheim on UY'jnrs day last, and announced that lie did not intend to re-offer himself for the \A r a.irau si;at. lle intended to take a trip Homo next year, and would continue to reside ill Wellington. Mr. Hills did not, intimate whether ho intended to retire from polities altogether. He strongly that salaries of members ol Parliament and Ministers" were inadequate, and advocated that members should receive £401) per year as in Australia. He said he spoke from lon# experience, both as member and Cabinet Minister, and knew that the country was paying its legislators too ilttliy As lie was approaching the end of his political career, he had nothing to gain himself, and spoke from entirely disinterested motives.