THE SESSION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2883, 23 June 1909, Page 38

THE SESSION.

MR MASSEY'S VIEWS

WELLINGTON, June 17

In an interview with your representative to-day, Mr W. F. Manser, Leader of the Opposition, stated that the brief but strenuous session which lias just concluded was, in his opinion, probably the most interesting that has been held for a great many years. He again emphasised Ills -opinion 'that an exceedingly serious mistake had been made in, adjourning Parliament. The business which required to be deait with by Parliament at present was really important. A majority of Government members had, however, decided that Parliament should foe prorogued, and in consequence the business of the country would have to stand over until October. "The position is one of which New Zealand has no reason to be proud," continued Mr Massey, '* becaus-e it would seem, from what has been decided upon, that there is only one man in the- Dominion to represent us at the Defence Confez'ence, or fit to take the lead to conduct the basinets of Parliament. 1 am afraid that the cauee of Imperialism, instead of being assisted, is "being very seriously injured by the decision of Parliament and the actions of the Government in connection therewith. The responsibility for what has occurred is, however, not with the ' Opposition members, who were anxious to go on with the ordinarywork of the session, and I regret exceedingly that we have not been given the opportunity." Mr Master said, that lie was thoroughly satisfied with the new members. He was sura they would prove to be a great acquistkm *to Parliament. The Opposition parly as a "whole had, in his opinion, done splendidly, and promised to give a good, account of themselves next session. He trusted that when the House again met the consideration of the Dominion's domestic affairs would not be complicated or overshadowed by Imperial questions. '"As a party." Mr Massey remarked, "we know exactly what we are doing. *We aie steering* a straight couise, which we believe to be in the interests of the coun-' try, and the course will not be deviated from in the slightest degree. We have taken up- a strong position, and intend to maintain that position. We have a, duty both' to the Empire and our own country, and at the proper time a majority of the people will, I believe, express their satisfaction with the manner in which those duties will have been performed." In regard to the Dreadnought offer, Mr Massey said that, if he had voted for the motion a,s it was brought down, he would have been approving not only of the offer, but also the manner in which it was made. He added : " While I could not possibly approve of the action of the Government ir> committing the country to a liability of millions without consulting Parliament, I felt that, the offer having been made, the honour of New Zealand was concerned, ond the proper thing to do under the circumstances was to confirm it. In this point I am expressing only my own personal view. We don't intend to allow Imperial matters to be used in the same war as party questions "