POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3313, 4 September 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

CENERAL ELECTIONS. THE WAITEMATA SEAT. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 3. .Mr.. E. W. Alison, who' is at present visiting Wellington-, has been very warmly received, notomlv by his former colleagues in Parliament, but also by members on- tire. Government side of the House. Remembering Mr. Alison's usefulness and 1 ability, the Opposition members have urgently pressed him to give an affirmative reply to the persistent requests that he should again come forward as a candidate for Waitemata in iplace of Mr. L. R. Phillips, who has decided to withdraw from politics. Mr. Alison has stated that very considerable sacrifice on his part would be entailed by his participation in the contest, but if his business arrangements permit he will be wiling to give the suggestion favorable consideration. He is unable to give* a definite reply at present, hue he will do so when he meets a deputation representative of the electors of the- district, which Iras arranged to wait on him on September 15 th.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT. STATEMENT BY HON J. A. MILLAR. The position in. regard to the. Local Government. Bill was referred to by- the Flon. J. A. Millar in Parliament the other day. Some years ago, lie said, a Local Government Bill was introduced in the- House. It was drafted by Mr, F. T. Martini, and included provisions for municipalities aind county councils. At once ai howl arose in, the House that the part relating to county councils should not be allowed to proceed. Under that part of the Bill it was proposed to abolish an enormous number of local bodies, and concentrate, them im large counties, ’with great powers. The House decided to cut the municipalities cut of the Bill, and to give- them newel’s under a Municipal Corporations Act, which- was duly passed in. 1900, aind to deal with counties under a separate Bill. The Counties Bill was never passed because, every river board and town board and local body that it was proposed to abolish sent up representatives to urge that they did not want to be- wiped out, and members would not wipe them cut. That was the experience, and the columns of Hansard would show it. The local bodies throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand would not bear of the Bill. It was also stated that a Local Government Bill will be circulated this session

JOTTINGS. The- Hon-. T. Mackenzie, replying _ to telegrams in.' reference to nominating him for Egrnont, says: “The question of my future movements is yet undecided, but I will give the representations contained therein my earnest attention, and will advise you later.” The “Temuka Leader” states that Mr. F. R. Flatman lias definitely decided not to offer himself as a candidate for Parliament at the next election. Mr Flatman: is -not in the best- of health and lie- is afraid to risk the strain of an other election.. THE HAWKE’S BAY SEAT. MR. A. L. D. FRASER AT WAIROA. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WAIROA, Sept. 2. Mr. A. L. D. Fraser had sufficiently recovered from his indisposition to address a public meeting last night._ The gathering was large and enthusiastic, and the speaker was tendered a warm and hearty reception. Mr. J. Hunter Brown moved, and Mr. Georue Mayo seconded, a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence, which was carried with cheers for Mr. Fraser.

THE MANAWATU SEAT

LIBERAL CANDIDATE SELECTED

PALMERSTON N., Sept. 3. A meeting of the Liberal party representing different portions of the Manaxvatu electorate as newly constituted, and convened at the instance of Mr. John Stevens, late M.P. for MamaAVatu and earlier for Ranigitikei, Avas held at Marton yesterday. Mr. EdAvard Read presided, and said the object of the meeting Avas to select a candidate in the Liberal interest for the forthcoming election. Mr. John Stevens, who ocmtesxea Manawatu, and Air. William Meldrum, of Hunterville, Avho contested the Rangitikei by-election, Avere proposed.. Mi. Stevens, Avhile expressing every intention of assisting at tlie election, asked tlie meeting to select Mil. Mieldium, and this ivas done, with hearty appreciation) of Air. Steven s’ action and Ins services to the Liberal cause.