TE AROHA ELECTORATE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2868, 29 November 1890, Page 2

TE AROHA ELECTORATE.

COL. ERASER'S CANDIDATURE. The following correspondence between Mr G. E. Clark, of Cambridge, and Mr Bryce has been forwarded to us for publication. As will be seen it refers to statements made by Col. Fraser at Cambridge and To Aroha. Mr Clark is evidently of opinion that the statement might have a misleading effect, and that it was desirable to get the matter settled. Mr Bryce's reply will clear up all doubt upon the question ;— Cambridge, November 26th 1890. To the Hon. J. Bryce. Dear Sir,—At a meeting held at Cambridge on Tuesday, I was at once pleased and surprised to hear Col. Fraser practically pinning his faith on you as the otily man likely to pull the colony out of tho mire. " Necessity," we know, " makes strange bed fellows," but, as an elector of Te Aroha, I should feel much obliged if you would kindly inform me whether you have been in the habit, on previous occasions, of voting in the same lobby with this 'gentleman, and whether you think, from his previous Parliamentary career, we aro justified in feoling any confidence that this moral transformation is likely to last beyond tho day of election. I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully, George E. Clark. Hamilton, Xovember 27th IS9O. Dear Mr Clark,—Your letter of yesterday's date has caused me surprise, perhaps it would be rude to say it had also caused ine some amusement. Col. Fraser of whom I would wish to say nothing disiespectful, has always been a party man, and could probably boast, as one of his compatriols recently boasted, that he had never given a "cross vote." Unfortunately we have always been on opposite sides of the House, and if, uuhappily, he should be returned for Te Aroha, I have little doubt that ns the past has been so would the future bo. Of cours3 it is gratifying that Col. Fraser should express such strong approval of ine as a politician, but perhaps my pleasure would be greater than it is were the election in which ho is at present candidate not pending. I am, dear Sir, very truly yours, Joh.v Bryce.

COLONEL ERASER AT CAMBRIDGE.

As briefly reported in our last issue, Colonel Fraser addressed tho electors of Cambridge, in the Public Hall, on Tuesday evening. Tho Mayor (Mr Priestly) presided, and introduced tho candidate. Colonol Fraser first gave tho reasons that had induced him to contest the Te Aroha Klectorate instead of the Thames; one of the chief being that his land lay within the four corners of tho electorate, and consequently his interests also lay there. He said no further retrenchment could be expected from the present Ministers, as was easily seen by Sir H. Atkinson's manifesto and Mr Mitchelson's speeches. Individually he had voted consistently with tho retrenchment party, ex' cept on one occasion, and that was when he voted for a grant to the School of Mineß at the Thames. He said the leader of the Opposition had not the backbono to carry on the retrenchment, the only man he thought capable of doint? so was Mr Bryce, and if he were elected he would certainly support him. If Mr Bryco took it in hand the "country would soon get out of its difficulties. He would like to see the propertytax abolished, but it would be a difficult matter. He agreed with the land administration of the late Government, which had placed more settlers upon the land than any of the previous ones. He considered perpetual leases better than village settlements, and said Mr Ballance's scheme had proved a failure. He upheld the Gold Duty ; if that was done away with tho locai bodies would have to raise more nvoney by some means. He did not favour federation with the other colonies, but agreed with trade unionism. He thought the volunteers should be encouraged ; with cruisers to guard the coast and volunteeis to guard the country, they would be safe enough. He thought the age at which children should bo compelled to attend school should be raised to six years, and that free education should stop at the sixth standard, there being scholarships that would entitle tho holders to further education, by which means the children of poor parents would be able to compote with those of tho rich. There should only bo one university for the colony, in his opinion. He thought the system of railway management bad, but was not quite sure that Vnile's system was perfect and would not bind himself to support it, but he would voto for a change from the present system. At the close Colonel Eraser answered a number of questions in a very ready manner, never hesitating the slightest. Ho was accorded a hearty vote of thauks that was carried by acclamation. The usual compliment to the chair closed the proceedings,