THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13250, 5 April 1905, Page 5

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

(From Our Owk Corresposdent.)

WELLINGTON, April 4,

Interviewed by a Post representative, Mr Masscy, Leader of the Opposition, who is now in Wellington, said that everywhere in his tour of the, Auckland district ho had met with an enthusiastic reception, In his opinion thero was growing up a big change in public opinion on political matters, and lie regarded that fact as very significant. At Whaugarci, for instance, a town of only 1560 inhabitants all told, lie had an audioneo numbering 2000, and somo of -them had ridden 50 miles and many had come 30 miles in order to be present. He regarded that as a really healthy ,sign, and, having regard to the different circumstances, ho considered tlio. meeting ntWhangarci as, if anything, a bettor one than his big meeting -at Auckland. Mr Massey added that ho was going south in a day or two, and would speak at somo of tho centres there. "Do you think tlio Opposition will gain any additional seats in tho north at the general election?" ho was asked. "Yes, it is quite certain that they will gain several seats," was tho reply. Hp was distinctly pleased with the result of his recent tour. Ho did not intend to assist Mr John Hutchcson in his election campaign. He remarked in reply to another question that ho did not think Mr Hutchcson required any assistance, and. in any case, ho was averse, to interference of the kind. Mr Massey expects to be in the south for threo or four weeks.