THE TREND OF POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14211, 12 May 1908, Page 6

THE TREND OF POLITICS

MR MASSEY INTERVIEWED,

(From Oue Own Comesiwdest.) n . AUCKLAND, Mav 11. On being .interviewed by a Herald reuortor regarding his recent viF.it to the south, Mr Masecy, Leader of the Opposition said: "I iim perfectly satisfied with my trip. 1 cannot, of <ourso, go into details, but, speaking generally, my mission was to get into touch with the supporters oi the party in the different centres, and 1 think the results of my doing so will be visible later on." , "So far as I can see," said Mr Massey, in answer to a question, "there is von' littio likelihood of a third party in Parliament. The Socialistic ,seoticai of members are perfectly satisfied with the Government, as they have good reason lo be, and. judging by recent indications in Otago and elsewhere, the Government is perfectly satisfied with Ihein. There is just the possibility, however, of a few Independent Labour candidates being; elected, but scarcely a sufficient number to make their influence felt as a third party." In reply to a queslion as to what was likely to he tho chief battleery at this year's genera! elections, the Loader of iho Opi»iivion ventured upon the following prophecy: "The principal issue will, iii tho minds of the thinking people, at all events, be whether the drift towards Socialism is to be stopped, cr whether it is to continue until very serious mischief is done to tho country as a whole. At tho same time I believe that the personal character and qualifications of candidates will count for more than has been the csrse for a long time past."