MR RUSSELL ON THE LIQUOR MAJORITY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 35, 18 March 1914, Page 6

MR RUSSELL ON THE LIQUOR MAJORITY.

To the Editor of TEE SUN. Sir, —Permit me to thank my frieiu Mr Isitt for his corrections. I nov know the exact room in which se - cond conversation took place, and an assured that Mr Isitt has no reason foi doubting that Mr Russell will keep'his pledge to stand for the '55 per cent, majority next time. I confess to think ing that the New Zealand Alliance would not have taken much interest in Mr Russell's conversion if it had kriowin that the 55 per cent, pledge which Mi Isitt extracted, would be of no value in securing a reduction of the handicap from this Parliament. The Alliance does not want to wait another three years for a reduction of the handicap, and should have but little interest in Mr Russell's intentions at the next succeeding election, when possibly Mr ! Russell might not secure re-election, Or jif elected, might not again reach the ! Treasury Benches. What particularly I interested the Alliance at the moment j was the attitude of Mr Russell as a possible member of a' Ministry which would, this Parliament, have to deal with the majority question. In' his letter to Mr Russell regarding -his recantation, Mr Isitt does. not enquire as to Mr Russell's. attitude at the -next election, but asks whether Mr Russell "is still three-fifths all round.'l'am, etc., J. M'COMBS.