SPEECH FROM THE PAST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9856, 25 July 1914, Page 5

SPEECH FROM THE PAST.

MR RUSSELL AS A PROPHET.

(Br TsLsoaara.) (Faou Ow PiUUMnrTurr Rcfobtib.) WELLINGTON, July 24. One of those frequent occasion* on which a member'* half-forgotten speech i* unexpectedly in evidence against him arose in the House during the early hour* of this morning after, Mr Russell (Avon) had been indulging in some criticisme regarding the.recent appointment* to the Legislative Council and the Council Reform Bill. Hon: F. M. B. Father, in replying to Mr Rucsell, pointed out that the Utter member in 1910 introduced * Bill providing for an elective Legislative Council with large electorates. The Minister read extracts from the speech delivered by Mr/Russell on that occasion and went on to ask: "Does the hon. gentleman approve of the Bill now brought down by tfoe Government?" No. He wanders and raves, and he get* very angry because the Government brought down a proposal which to all intent* and purposes is on all fours with the Bill which he himself introduced, but which did not succeed in reaching the Statute Book." (Laughter.) "Had the hon. gentleman," Mr Fisher asked, "turned down his former proposals ?■■• Mr Russell: "I was prophetic. I think I ought to set up as s prophet. (Laughter).

Mr Fisher: "Yes, prophet and loss." (Loud laughter).