THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14326, 11 April 1912, Page 7

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

VISIT TO CANTERBURY

Alr AY F. Massey, M.P. for Franklin, Leader of the Opposition, arrived from AVellington yesterday morning, and left by the second express for the South for Rakaia, en route for Methven, to attend the complimentary banquet tendered thero last evening to Air C. .\. C. Hardy, ex-member for Selwyn and ex-Opposition AA'bip. Mr Massey was looking extremely well, and was in excellent fettle, ready for the coming platform political battles that are looming in tho near future.

In the course of a brief chat with a representative of "The Press," Air Massey remarked that he had been attending .several political functions and socials to members of the. Reform Party elected at last election. There was no doubt about the feeling so far as ho was able to judge—it appeared to be running very strongly in favour of the Reform Party. At the centres visited he had met with most enthusiastic receptions. Air Alassey's movements in the South Island are somewhat indefinite at present Next AVeduesday he is to attend a social to Air G. J. -Anderson, ALP., at Wyndham. It is possible that Air .Massey may spend a day in Christchurch before going South." On arrival at Rakaia Air Massey, who M-as accompanied by Air Lindorgreen. the new organiser of the Reform Party, was met by Air C. A. C. Hardy. .After lunch, which was par- j taken of at Air Hardy's, the party were driven in motor cars over the district, and were much impressed by the prosperous appearance, of the farms. The Rakaia Gorge was reached late in the afternoon, and the grandeur of the surroundings was greatly admired. Alethven was reached shortly before six o'clock.

Air Massey was the principal speaker at a rally of the Reform Party, which was held at Alethven last evening, after the banquet to Air Hardy.