RETURN OF SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL.

Otago Witness, Volume 23, Issue 2684, 23 August 1905, Page 12

RETURN OF SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL.

' WHAT ENGLAND THINKS OF US.

POLITICS IN THE MOTHER COUNTRY.

(From Otjh, Own Cohrespondent.)

WELLINGTON, August 15. To-day Sir William Russell sad Lady Russell returned to New Zealand from their trip to England and Europe. Sir William during a portion of bis stay in England suffered a good deal from ill-health, which delayed his return to the colony, but he has oome back in excellent spirits, and as strong or stronger than when foe went away. His two daughters will return to the colony in about three months' time. A brief stay in Egypt and a tour in Europe proved most enjoyable. At Cairo the party were most fortunate in being able to witness the procession of the Holy Carpet, a large number of pilgrims setting out for Mecca. The particular carpet that gives the procession its name is supposed to be the carpet on which Mahomet prayed. There was a great parade of the Egyptian troops, with Lord Cromer and the British garrison in full uniform. At Rome, too, the party were fortunate in getting tickets to St. Peter's on the occasion of a ceremony of canonisation, during which the Pope was lx>rne in upon his chair, and the Swiss Guards were on duty.

During his stay in England Sir William several times saw Lord Ranfurly, our late Governor, whose interest in New Zealand is a-3 keen as ever. Lord Ranfurly has invested in the Motor 'Bus Company, and is chairman df its board of direotcis. Sir William- attended a charming ball given by Lord and Lady Ranfurly in London befoie he left. Lady Ranfurly appeared to be much improved in health. Sir William also saw something of Major Alexander nnd Mr Hill Trevor, both of whom are still interested in New Zealand and New Zealanders. New Zea'and is not now attracting quite so nv-wh attention at H,onifi

as it did a few years ago. There is, it appears, a small section of the people interested in us and our doings, but the great mass of the people know as little about us as we know about Nova Scotia. Those who follow our polities and our legislation at all closely seem to look upon us with, an interest in which is mingled something of amusement and even amazement. There were somewhat anxious inquiries as to the rate at which we are pilifig up cur pubiio indebtedness, and Sir William seized the opportunity of explaining to those of our creditors whom he met that they had no need to be alarmed about their security, the matter bein<r more one to concern New Zealanders, who had to pay the interest, and might find it irksome should a period of depression get in.

In answer to a query as to the possibility of future borrowing at better rates than we have recently been able to obtain. Sir William said he did not pretend to be a financial expert, but from all he could hear there were indications that the money market was likely to become easier. As to the position of British polities, Sir William was some time back informed by a very high authority on the Ministerial side that there would be a dissolution during this August. Subsequently the same man told him that matters in connection with the party had been fixed up, and that there would be no election till June of next year. The present Government, he says, will certainly go out after the general election, but it is not considered likely that Sir H. Campboll-Bannerman will be able to retain office for more than three years. Then Mr Chamberlain hoped to have his chance. In the meantime he will get his policy before the country, and it will not come as a surprise at the second election from now. Meantime the Freetrade shibboleth is keeping Mr Chamberlain's preferential trade ideas in the background. Sir William spent a considerable time in Mr Chamberlain's company. The ox-Colonial Secretary is, he says, remarkably vigorous and young-looking for his years, and he hns a most charming wife. Sir William lunched with Mr Austen Chamberlain (Chancellor of tho Exchequer) and Mr Aldwyn Fellowes (President of the Board of Trade). Mr Chamberlain, by the way, was keenly interested to know what the colonies would do in connection with the preferential trade question. England generally, as far as Sir William could judge, was prosperous. He saw no signs of commercial, mental, or moral decadence.

Sir William proposes to remain in Wellington until he is thoroughly conversant with everything going on in the House, and until he can see about a number matters of interest to his constituents. Ho will then pay a visit to Hawke's Baj'.