THE ELECTION.

Manawatu Times, Volume X, Issue 1242, 12 July 1884, Page 2

THE ELECTION.

TO THB EDITOE. Sir, — In your footnote to my letter re the Eleciion, you remind us of Mr Macarthur's previous action m consulting those whom he thought the most likely to stand for the Manawatu seat. I wasj quite aware of the, fact, but I fail to see how Mr Macarthur oi: any other gentleman was likely to know who was coming forward on this occasion. ' It is quite evident frotn the remarks made by some of tbe speakers at Mr Fraser ? s meeting that Mr Mica'rthur's action had caused jeq-lougy, I quite agree with you as lo the district paying sufr fered much through being a pocket borough too long, At the same time when we find men wbo take such leading positions supporting a lecal candidate at one election and at the following election supporting the outside candidate, when such inconsisteucy is perpetuated, it is no wouder we have been represented by an outsider so long, • With 'regard to the- present electtion it is to be regretted that Messrs Macarthur and Fraser are ' sup* porters of the Atkinson Ministry, both from a general as well as a local point of view. Major Atkinson succeeded $ir Julius ' Yogel as Treasurer, aud has been m office ever since, with the exception of tbe time the Goey Government were iv office. Even Maj.-r Atkinson's supporters must admit h$ has had a fair trial, and that tbe iiiauces of tha

the colony have got beyond his grasp. This is quite evident from his remarks the other day at Hawera, where he told the electors that there was no cause for dismay, whereas Mr Bryce told his constituents at Waverley , that he looked upon the future of the colony with great dismay. Prom past events, 1 J am inclined to believe m the Hon, John Bryce's opinion. This couph.d | with the recent vote of the Ho::se ought to be a sufficient reason why the Treasurship should pass into more competent bands. From a lo- ! cai point of view I should think the Manawatu electors would hail a change of Government when it is considered how the Atkinson Minis* try have disregarded the interest of the distrrict, to wit, the indignation meeting re last year's public works estimates. A siugle member cannct do much unless he is backed up by I the Government. Perchance tbe Atkinson Ministry will be returned by the country again to office, and the disregard of the local require* meats m the past may happen m the future. For this reason I regret both candidates are supporters of the Atkinson Ministry. I am, &c, J. A. Heaton. [Mr Heaton's remarks on inconsistency scarcely apply on this occasion, seeing that those who were the most prominent supporters of the outsider at last election are now among the foremost io supporting Mr Macarthur. They have tested the outsider and have found him sadly wanting, the work he should have dove having fallen upon their shoulders. We may point out that it was not necessary for our public men to wait till all the candidates came forward before deciding to support Mr Macarthur, They must have been fully aware who, amoug the local mea, were likely to stand, aud they were wise iv not waiticg till outsiders had made a hunting- ; ground of the Manawatu again. They had had the fullest opportunities of judging of Mr Macarthur's capabilities and qualifications ; tbey knew he was a local man, to whom local interests were of vital importance, and these facts could lead but to one conclusion. They resolved to be early m tbe field and make common caufre against outsiders. No one who has the interest of Manawatu at heart can do anything but commend them for this. As to jealousy which is said to have been a consequence of tbis, that was but a spark, which all tbe efforts used, we are glad to say, have bee a unable to fan into a flame. We are glad to observe that oue correspondent agrees as to the neglect suffered by the district through having an out* sider m the House, We believe it is now a fixed resolve of the electors to haye none of this m the future. As to both candidates being supporters of the Atkinson Ministry; Mr Macarthur has scarcely declared so strongly as that m favor of the Major. If we have caught the im* port of his utterances aright, he is m favor of a coalition m preference to the Atkinson party, though he would not be prepared to take any action which would be absolutely opposed to the present Premier. This, however, as it happens, is of secondary improtance just now, as there is little prospect cf the Atkinson Miuistry being m power next session. — Ed. M.D.T."]