PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN RUSSELL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10482, 29 October 1901, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN RUSSELL.

There was a very pleasant, ceremony in >>ne of tin committee rooms 'yesterday afternoon. It was the presentation by the Opposition to Captain' Russell of a set of bowld of solid silver. The bowls are three. One is very large; ~all are of 'the same form, deep and massive, of the etriiscan fornC each with a broad row of Roman figures' in relief below the lip all round each, carried on a pedestal swelling to a broad base, each standing on an ebony plinth/,each gilt within and supplied with. a gilt netting for flowers. The inscription, on a silver plate on the plinth, declares that the whole is "presented to Captain Russell as a., mark of esteem " from friends* associated with^ him. while lead-, er of the Opposition, in' the Parliament of New Zealand." As ornaments to a dinner table the bowls will be" magnificent, for other decorative purposes also, and for punch and various cups' it would be hard to beat them.

Mr Massey acted- as chairman,' and Mr Duthie and Mr James. Allen spoke, the presentation -being made by Mr Massey, and Mr Duthie speaking for ex-members, and it is thought by_ some of those present, rather more bitterly than the occasion warranted. The Other side are glad of the presentation, for Captain Russell is popular in the House, regarding it as the legitimate reward for the handsome way in which" the Captain has fought a hopelessly lost cause for so many years, making a record of good temper and courtesy, in adversity ot which any man might be proud. N *