THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2665, 12 April 1905, Page 48

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

CFroxt Our Owk Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, A^ril 4. Interviewed by a Pest representative, Mr Massey. L^W of th~ Oppc-itkm, who i-, now in Wellington, scid that cu-nwlimo in his tour of the Auckland district he had m-et with a-n enthusiastic reception. In his opinion there was growing up a big change in public opinion on political niatteis. and be regarded Oat fact as very significant. At Wlnui»arci. for ins>tancv\ a town of on'v 1560 inhabitants ail toid, he had an audi-

enc e numbering 2000, and some of them had ridden 50 irule<3 and many had como 30 miles in order to be present. He regarded that as a really healthy sign, and, having regard to the different circumstances, he considered tho meeting atWhangarei as, if anything, a better one than his big meeting at Auckland. Mr Massey added that he was going south in a day or two. and would speak at some of the centres there. "Do you think the Opposition will gain any additional seats in the north at tho general election?" he was asked. "Yes, it is quite certain that they will gain several seats," was the reply. He was distinctly pleased with th& result of his recent tour. He did not intend to assist Mr John Hutcheson in his election campaign. He remarked in reply to another question that ho did not think Mr Hutoheson required any assistance, and, in any case, he was averse to interference of the kind. Mr Massey expects to be in the south for three or four weeks. j