THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2287, 30 December 1897, Page 19

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

AN INTERVIEW WITH CAPTAIN RUSSELL. '

(From Odr Own Correspondent.) Wellington, December 24.

I managed to get a brief interview with the Hon. Captain Russell to-day, just previous to his departure for Englmd. Captain' Rusecll has been very buiy during the past week or two, for, in addition to his public duties and the hundred and odd things that have to be done preparatory to a lengthened absence from home, he has had to arrange details in connection with the working of two sheep stations while he will be away from New Zealand. Captain Rassell left by the Talune this afternoon to catch the OraUva, which sails from Sydney for London, via < Marseilles. He will return via Vancouver, and arrive here on the 22nd June, in time for the opening of Parliament en the 22nd. The main object of my interview was to ascertain who was to take up the work of tho leader of the Opposition during the recess, and Captain Ruisell informed ma that he was arranging this matter ; with the Hou. Rollestorj, who will have tbe able assistance of Mr Buchanau in regard to North Island matters. "You will see," I Remarked, "that in your absence during the closing hours of tho session the Premier twitted Mr Rolletton with a desite to usurp the leadership of your party."

"Yea, I did notice tb.ak," replied C&p'«*»in ! Russell, "but it is only since my arrival in Wei- j lington last night that I found anyone attached the slightest importance to the charge made, against Mr Rolleston by Mr Seddon. I may tell you that from tie moment; the leadership of fee patty devolved upon me, with the utmost generosity and sit occasions Mr Ifclleskon has spoken to me regarding my leadership iv tbe mosb fUt'eriDg terms — more so tlrnn ,V felfc I desetvid-^and aa « rntitei 1 of fasi; there !ba* all along beeu the utmost cordiality betwusu us. Indeed,'* addei tlie leader of the OjjDouition with a merry- twinkle in hU eye; "if 'l may slightly, alter the historic statement made by the .Premier regarding hirnsoll 1 and John M'Keszie, tfceve has net even beeu mieh a 'diffei'onco as might occur between- man and wife. During the session that haa just e!os«d Mr Rol'eifcou has offcbn made most valuable suggestions to me in regard to the couduci of business and party ptlitics and has always objected to my giving him the slightest credit j for what he did. Bufc tbero is' uo need fco emphasise the point, for anyoue who knows Mr Rulleston must recognise that two of his most prominent characteristics are that he always displays the strictest loyalty and generosity. I feel sure that the cause of righteous government, for which we are striving, will not suffer in any way if I leave the control of the party in his hands during my absence. H*d I any doubt on this point, even though the business that takes me Home could not be delegated to anyone else, I should not leave the colony. This is, too, the only chance Itut I shall have, of visiting the old country for some time, as I could nob leave after next; session, when we shall be pn the eve of another general election."

" Your departure has been rather hurried," I ventured.

" Yec ," he replied, " until a very recent date I was not sure that I could get away, and I am sorry that I had not time to bid my political friends and foes good-bye in person, but I fully expected to fiad them still here on Thursday." *

"Mr Seddon has expressed himself as satisfied, with "the result of the .session, I suppose you also are satisfied ? "

"Extremely so," replied Captain Russell. " We have given to the country ah opportunity of considering measures that have been prepared apparently by an over-woiked law draftsman, apparently nob revised by tbe urilejEecretariee,' sCnd' in some eases' de'rtaialjr nob even read by Ministers.' Of courss, the Premier will, no doub\ adopt his usual tactics and blame the Opposition for obstruction. With the exception, however, of the determined stand we made in regard to our rights in the matter of the select committees there was no obstruction, but merely a careful consideration and criticism of some vary ill-thought-out measures which were for the most part sprung upon tbe House in the dying d»ys of the session and were never properly explained to members. ■Iv the main the blocking of business came from the ssceders from the Government ranks, and- from a constitutional point of view those men no doubt only did their duty."

•' By the way, captain," I asked, €< have you heard any expressions of opinion since you have been in the country as to the policy of the Government and the measures they tried to pats, such as the Old Age Pensions B 11 and others ? "

" Ob, yes," replied Captain Russell, " and tbe feeling in the country undoubtedly is that tho Opposition have done remarkably good work. I note Mr Seddon has stated thab if wa went to the country just now nob 50 per cent, of the Opposition would come back to Parliament. On the contrary, there is every indication, both north and south, that in such an eventuality we should come back with a very decided majority. Why, even old political opponents of my own have expressed their satisfaction at the result of the session and the good work we have done in Opposition. This shows clearly that the feeling is rapidly changing, and almost everyone I have spoken to, both friend and foe, bai expressed the opinion that such bills as the Old Age Peniions Bill and tbe M»st«r and Apprentice Bill were crude and ill-advised, and thsfc they should receive much further consideration both in the country and Parliament before they become law. I find that is the universal opinion.*