THE OUTLOOK FOR THE REFORM PARTY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14974, 22 May 1914, Page 7

THE OUTLOOK FOR THE REFORM PARTY.

MR G. W. RUSSELL'S VIEWS

EFFECTIVE REJOINDER BY" THE

GOVERNMENT WHIP.

(SPXOIAL TO "the press.")

WELLINGTON, May 21.

"It reminds mc cf a small boy whistling to keep his courage up," said Mr D. H. Guthrio (Chief Government Whip) in speaking to a reporter this evening about an interview with Mr G. W. Russoli, M.P., at Christchurch (published in the local anti-Reform- paper to-day), in the courso of which tho member for Avon declared that thero was a revulsion of feeling against tho Reform Government in the North Island.

"In "spite of the meetings which havo been addressed by the Leader of tho Opposition and some of tho rank and file members of his party." Mr. Guthrie wont on to remark, "thero is not tho slightest' doubt in my mind that the Government stands as well in the North Lsland as ever it did in tho past, and certainly a groat deal better than it did twelve months ago. As far as tho seats mentioned by the member for Avon aro concerned, thero aro no seats in New Zealand safer for tho present members than Rangitikei and Patea. So far as my oiwn scat is concerned, I am in th« hands of tho electors, and I think it will be seen that I still possess their confidence, even though the Opposition aro successful in securing tho candidate whom they havo been trying to secure. "Changes take place at overy election," added' the Reform Whip, "and this must- bO expected, but it is absolutely certain that there.aro North Island scats now represented by Oppositionists which wiT! bo represented after next election 'by svJpportcrs of the Massey Government. 1 need only r«fer Mr Russell to tho receptions that Mr Massey has met with reeontly at Napier and Gisborno, and Mr Pirani at Wanganui. According to accounts that havo reached mo from tho South," Mr Guthrie remarked in conclusion, "Mr Russell is none too secure in Avon, and will need ail the votes that he can collect to hold his position thero."