THE COLONIAL INSTITUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13579, 28 April 1906, Page 7

THE COLONIAL INSTITUTE

WINSTON CHURCHILL'S UNPOPULARITY. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, April 26. (Received' April 27, at 8.26 a.m.) •Speaking at the Colonial Institute dinner, Lord Elgin (the Colonial Secretary) said that lie ton had been a "man on the spot." He warmly eulogised Lord Sclborne's (High Commissioner for South Africa) loyal cooperation, although it was not likely that he sympathised with all his instructions. Mr Smythc (the Natal Premier) said " Lord Elgin is a near kinsman of mine and a playmate of my boyhood." He mentioned that fact to show how repugnant it was to his whole feelings that he had intended to throw any obstacle in his path. Lord Elgin expressed his entire sympathy with Natal and the cordial wish that she would find a .successful and honourable exit out of her difficulties. He praised the Transvaal offers of help, and hoped that opinion in the colonics and at Home would support him and his colleague in the discharge of their responsible duties. The mention of Mr Churchill evoked hisses and ironical exclamations. Lord Elgin remarked that. Hie interrupters might do him the courtesy of showing respect to his colleague. Mr Sydney Buxton (Postmaster-general) proposed and Lord Amphtill responded to the toast of " A United Empire." Lord Mrafliconii proposed the health nf the chairman. The Times says that Lord Elgin made an eminently statesmanlike speech. Regarding the interruptions, the paper says that Mr Churchill's indefatigable energy and industry are. unquestioned, but his utterance:! frequently savour of a desire to »ain the faci'e applause of politicians at Home for mere party purposes, rather than securing the confidence of those bearing the heat and burden of the day in distant lands.