THE OPPOSITION WAR-WHOOP.

Hastings Standard, Issue 166, 7 November 1896, Page 2

THE OPPOSITION WAR-WHOOP.

[We ao not hold ourselves responsible for the opinion of correspondents.] [To The Editor.] Sir, —I was more than amused at a clipping in your columns a day or two ago that Captain Russell expected a majority of six at the coming elections. If the signs may be taken for anything the Opposition will be so weak in December next that there will be neither head nor followers. The gallant Captain surely made a mistake when he allowed himself to say such a thing. Looking at the result of the last election in Ilawke's Bay it is " odds on '' the Liberal candidate, and if Mr Fraser speaks up to reputation he should certainly manage to send the Captain into obscurity for a Parliament at least. Then the Democratic knight will have a much warmer struggle than lie anticipates, and it is certain that he will have to work his hardest to poll anything like he did last election. The third head of the Opposition, Mr George Hutchison, has met a worthy focman in Mr Parsons, and no one will be surprised to hear of the defeat of the present member for Patea. Messrs Bell and Duthie, like something that runs away from a sinking ship, have decined the contest, which must be taken as a very ominous sign ; and Mr Button signified his intention at the close of the session of retiring from politics, though I expect to see him a candidate again this year. The smaller fry might possibly be returned, but without a leader where would they be ? For my own part I will very much regret Captain Russell's retirement, but as his only policy seems to be " Give us a trial; we might do better than Seddon," he must be judged accordingly. Selfish motives are at the bottom of every Opposition member, and the electors will no doubt recognise this at the ballot-box. —I urn, &e., Junius Jumor. Ha§liugs, 6tli November, 1896.