PUBLIC RECEPTION TO CAPT. RUSSELL.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 307, 28 June 1898, Page 2

PUBLIC RECEPTION TO CAPT. RUSSELL.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. SPEECH BY THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. (BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Last Night. A PDBI.IC reception was tendered tonight to Capt. Ruseell, Leader of the. Opposition, in the Opera House, which was crowded to the doors. The Choir* man (Mr Aiken) said he had received over forty telegrams and letters from all parts of the colony, expressing satisfaction at Capt. Russell's return. Mr Buchanan, M.H.R., presented an address of welcome to Capt. Russell on behalf of his supporters in Wellington. It assured Capt. Russell of the earnest wish of his supporters to co-operate with him in the important work of insisting upon pure administration, of reviving a healthy system of Parliamentary procedure in the interests of liberty and popular control of public affairs. Capt. Russell, who received an enthusiastic reception, referred at some length to the question _of defence, and dwelt upon the advisability of being prepared to defend our hearths and homes. He especially urged the necessity of organisation, saying that, without organisation, however brave our men might be, they would in time of trouble have to give away to «. better organised force. People should insist on a thoroughly organised defence force with properly trained officers. New Zealand had the men, all that was wanted was thoroughness of organisation to make the defences of our country effective. He said the Opposition would propound their policy when the proper time came. The Opposition was quite prepared to go before the country at once, feeling quite satisfied that they would be able to defeat the Government at the polls. However, a dissolution just now was an extremely unlikely thing, and he therefore asked what was the use of the Opposition propounding a pdriicy which they might not require to carry into effect for some time yet. He quoted from speeches by the late Mr Ballance and Mr Reeves to show that the party then in power refused to declare their policy until it suited them. .

Messrs Geo. Hutchison, Massey and Lewis also spoke. On the motion of Dr. Newman, a resolution was carried sympathising with Mr Rolleston in his illness, and expressing the hope that he will soon be well enough to again fight for the rights of the people in Parliament. The meeting concluded with three cheers for Capt. Russell.