A CONSERVATIVE REVOLT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11593, 31 May 1898, Page 4

A CONSERVATIVE REVOLT.

The rather ostentatious exchange of compliments which took place between Captain Bussell and the Hon W. Eolleston just before the form el gentleman’s departure for England t has not altogether silenced the rumours of dissensions in the ranks of the Opposition. No one can doubt Captain Bussell’s faith in his trusty lieutenant, nor Mr Bolleston’s loyalty to his absent chief, but some of the youngej members of the party appear to ha far from satisfied with the tactics of their leaders. They imagine that il Captain Bussell and Mr Bolleston would conduct the attack upon the Ministerial benches with a little more vigour, they would win the sympathy of a number of dissatisfied Liberals, and bring the swee's of office within measurable distance of the Conservative Party* Until quite recently their dissatisfaction was merely a matter of rumour t but during the past few weeks it Ibaa found expression in several unexpected places. The Napier “Telegraph,” for instance, has just warned Captain Bussell that a large section of his followers are on the verge of revolt. It assumes —without the least justification, by the way—that the Premier wishes to have a short session of Parliament, merely to vote supplies, and that the leader of the Opposition will approve of his plans,; and then proceeds to tell Captain

that “if he should think lit oonpetent for him to pledge iibe Oppowtkm not to object to a short aesuon next month, and the ordinary meeting of Parliament later,” the Opposition will refuse to follow him. “ Circumstances which have oeme to our knowledge justify us,” it asySr u in making this statement, and to save misunderstanding we jthswinto putt itin that blunt fashion.” iTU« bold language suggests that cerlimn Oppocotkxx members are seeking fan opportunity to throw. off their aDegwoee to Captain Bussell, and [that the low-of the Mataura seat will inet be the worst news to greet that 'gentleman on his return to the