LIBERALS READY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14044, 26 July 1913, Page 5

LIBERALS READY.

POLITICAL PROPHECIES AND ELECTION PLANS. (By Telegraph.—Special to Hebaxd.) WELLINGTON, July 26. An occasional Hash of party feeling sparked into life during the debate oil too Pensions Bill in the rlousc to-night, the Minister in charge (the .Hon. Mr Firlier) striking the original flash by introducing political colour and history into hia second reading explanations several times. Later, towards the end of the debate, the member for Avon poured .on a little [ oil to cheer up the llame. “An election is coming; it is coming along like Nemesis for the .Reform Party," said Mr Russell, “and when that elcetiou comes tliero are at least ten men on that side of the House who will change over to this side. (Ministerial lui-ha’s.) We have the men ready, and the seats ready. When this time comei; we will tell you where they are. (Uproarious interjections.) “I admit,” went ou the member for Avon, “that the bon. gentlemen ou that side have a certain amount of support. You cannot wipe out Conservatism. It is just as much a matter of human nature as are progress and Liberalism. (Opposition “Hoar, hears.”) In every country you will have a parly of Conservatism and reaction, and a party of Liberalism and progress. Why do you persist in sticking to the name of Reform? Drop it, and revert to your own proper title of Conservative ! Don’t Ih' ashamed of the name, beta Use we must all recognise that Con- 1 eervatism is a factor iu the politics of the country. (Members, “Hear, bear!” and Government laughter. The Prime Minister took the floor immediately Mr Russell sat down. He declared that he had heard the member for Avon iu the prophetic role before, but his predictions were always falsified, and the Grey by-dlectiou had’ falsified them again. The. best guarantee of the security of the Government’s ]xwition was that the. people would never turn them out to make room for Mr Russell und his associates. Although Mr Russell would sell his soul for office, no set of men in New ’Zealand were so distrusted. Mr MeCalhim: “Keep your temper!" The Prime* Minister; “I always keep my temper.” Au Oppositionist: “Tho Grey election has got on his nerves.” Mr Russell’s confident attitude is doubtless based, not only on the knowledge of the Opposition’s resources, but on some information abopt a couple of northern Government members who are rumonred to be uneasy in their places. It liaw been suggested that the members in question arc dissatisfied with the party because they knew that Reform candidates will be preferred to them by official Reformers when the next election comes around.