SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1746, 23 August 1905, Page 56

SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL

RETURN FROM THE OLD

COUNTRY. AN INTERVIEW. Sir William Russell, who had been on a visit to the Old Country,, returned by the Athenic last week. Sir William, who looks in the best of health, and says he thoroughly enjoyed the voyage out, was interviewed by a representative of the “New Zealand Mail.” It was in 1897 that the late leader of the Opposition paid his last visit to England, and he did not, of course, not oe any material change in things during the visit which has just concluded.

Questioned on the condition of affairs in the political world at Home, Sir William said, of course, he could only speak at second hand on such matters. In discussing the position with a leading member of the Imperial Parliament shortly after he reached Home, that gentleman said he looked upon a dissolution by August as almost a certainty; but a month before he left England the same gentleman told him he was quite convinced that Parliament would not be dissolved until that time next year. “ The general feeling, as far as I was able to judge—but, of course, I saw more of the Conservative than of the Radical element —was that, there being no defined policy on the part of the Radical party, nor any man who had a commanding personality, the world was afraid of a change into elements of which it knew so little.”

“ With regard to Mr Chamberlain’s proposals,” continued Sir William, “ I understand that Ills own view is that at the next elections there will be a majority against any interference with the tariff; but that after the Liberal party have been in for a certain time—and not a very long one —a reaction will come, and then preference for the colonies -will be listened to much more dispassionately than at the present time.”

Asked whether there was any popular feeling on the matter one way or the other, Sir William said: “I should say that, as a rule, the world does not appreciate the magnitude of the question of preference to the colonies, and it is being treated more as a party stalking horse than upon it® individual merits.”

The series of Liberal victories at byelections since the last general election was thus commented upon: “ I think the cause is that the Conservative party have been in office so long that the country is anxious for a change, without any defined reason for wishing for that change. I should say that there is very little doubt that the Conservative party will go out at the next election.” In favour of whom?

“That is the difficult point to answer. As far as I am able to estimate, the country, with few exceptions, is not anxious for a Government under Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. There have been rumours that he would be raised to the peerage, and that the Premiership would devolve upon somebody else. That I give for whatever it may be worth. I was told by a gentleman who is much behind the scenes that Sir Henry will not accept a peerage until he has held office as Premier. That also I give you for gossip for what it is worth. If there was really a strong leader in the party there is very little doubt that the majority at the next elections would be much more numerous for the Radicals than it is likely to be.” Questioned on the subject of the naval subsidies, Sir William said: “The impression left on my mind is that political circles are convinced that the navy .is of such vital importance to the colonies that before very long th© colonies of Australasia will contribute more largely than they have done up to tho present time.” Was there any feeling of discontent amongst the people at Home at the disparity in the contributions of the Home country and. tho colonies? “ No, there is no general discontent. I should say the great bulk of the people know very little about tho colonies and their contributions —that is to say, those who are not in the political world.”

Asked whether the colony was properly advertised in England with a view to attracting immigrants, Sir William said he was convinced that any person who went to the iJtigh Commissioner’s office would get the utmost courtesy

and attention from all tire officials, and any advice which could be afforded would be readily given. “ But, of course,” he added, “as the policy or the country has not been to induce immigration, there was no general scheme of advertising the colony as in the case of Canada, where land is practically given away to people who care to go there.” . On the voyage out Sir William gave the third-class passengers a great deal of advice likely to be useful to them as emigrants. He did not refer to the politics of the country, but endeavoured in short lectures to give them impartial and. practical liints for their guidance on landing.