THE BYE ELECTION. It is understood that no time will will be lost in getting the election of Sir Robert Stout’s successor over. Of probable candidates there are several being discussed to-night. On the Opposition side honest John Duthie has been approached, but as be is on tbe eve of a trip to Europe, the fascinations of a real good stand up fight are a secondary consideration to the claims of business, and his candidature is somewhat doubtful at present. If he cannot stand Mr Menteath, who so nearly won at the general election will probably tempt fortune and the ballot box again. Mr A. R. Atkinson, who had the sup port of the Opposition last time will have to do without it on this oc casion and will have to trust to the prohibition vote alone and be beaten by such a majority that no re-counting of votes will be necessary this time Mr C. M. Luke, a former unsuccessful prohibitionist will divide with Atkin son, and although ho talks very straight of the injury Seddonian legislation does to enterprise, he gets a lot of Government work for his foundry and will also get the Gov ernment support in the contest. Mr Le Grove, a Socialist, who is a bit gone on State farms, State bushfell ing and State everything, is the white haired boy of the Trades Unions. He is also a Seddonite and very fervent in his faith by reason of frequent fat business as a reporter and typewriter. What between a hotly contested Harbor Board election and the Parlia mentary bye election, we are in for a whole waggon load of excitement for a few weeks.
