THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11394, 3 October 1902, Page 5

THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK

SIB W. R. RUSSELL'S VIEWS

(by ottr special reporter.)

Yesterday Sir W. R. Rtussell paid a flying visit to Christchuresh on private business, retnrniag to Wellington by the Eotomahana in the evening. A representative of "The Press," in the course of a brief interview, -n-as informed that Sir WSMain, has noft yet grown tired of active politics, although it is twenty-seven yeaxs sicoe he first took his seat in the House. "I have definitely decided to stand for my oH seat again," he said, "and up "to this time I am cot aware of any opponent being forthcoming. ,.

Speaking of the sersion now almost, ended, and the work of the Opposition in criticising tue Government, Sα- William Russell said: "Owing to Sir Joseph Ward being in temporary command, and realising that any attack upon the Government in the aabsence- of the leader (Mr Seddcn) would result in nothing definite, the Opposition felt it to be their duty to endeavour to assist in passing measures of a necessary aid non-controversial nature, while the Government, on their part, seemed anxious to avoid contentious questions."

Asked what -he thought of the outlook at the coming elections, Sir William Russell said: "There is a growing feeling amongst 'the more independent-minded men on the Government side of the House, that without making great protestations of advanced Liberalism, in the essential meaning of the word "Liberal," the Opposition is really as anxious for the welfare of all classes as the Government itself, a.nd consequently imany of those -β-uo take a. broader view of affairs, are likely to stand at the coming elections, and -with success, in the belief ithat the day of one-man Government has had cits turn. The outlook is, I think, most certainly 'better than at the lastelections."

Referring to the Premier, <Sir William stated that, he Ihad tk> desire 'to appear ungenerous, tout could not help the conviction that the Premier did not intend to remain Jong in the colony. "I cannot give you chapter or verse," ihe said, "and you must take it for <wliat it is wortfi, but I sun convinced that Mr Seddon does not intend to remain long dn -New Zealand after his return this month."

On questions of policy Sir William Russell declined to express himself at the sent time.