OPPOSITION BOMBAST

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2155, 22 May 1914, Page 8

OPPOSITION BOMBAST

GOVERNMENT WHIP REPLIES,

"It reminds me of a small bov whistling to keep his courage up;" said M r . Guthrie (Cllief ..Government Whip), in speaking to a Boaisios reporter last- evening; about an interview with Mr. G. W. Russell. M.P., at Christchurch (published in the local nnti-Rei'orni paper yesterday), in tho course of which tho member far Avon declared that there was a revulsion of feeling against tlio Reform Gwenwient 111 the North Island. "In spite of tho meetings which have been addressed bv the Loader of the Opposition and somo of the rank and filo members of Isi-s party," Mr. Guthrie went on to romark, "tlrero is net the slightest doubt in my mind that the Government staiids as well in the North Island as over it did in the past, and certainly a great deal better than it did "twelve months ago,

"As far as the seats mentioned by the member for Avon aro concerned," said Mr. Guthrie, 'tlicr© are no seats in New Eoafand safer for tho present members tfcui Rangitikoi and Paten. So far as my own seat is concerned, J. am in the hands of tho electors, and I think it will l?o seen that I still possess .their confidence, oven though the Opposition are successful in securing tho candidate whom they have been trying to secure.

''"Changes take place at every election," aided the llefonn Whip, ,"aiul this must- be expected, but it is absolutely certain that there are North. Island seats now represented by Oppositionists which will bo represented after next election >by supporters of tho Mas«ejr Government. I need only refer Mr. Russell to tho receptions that Mr. Massey has met with recently at Napier and (Jisbsrne, and Mr. Pirani at "Wangariui.

"According to accounts that have reached 1116 from the south," Mr. Guthrie remarked in conclusion, "Mr. Russell is none too seearo in Avon,, and will need all the votes that he can collect to hold his position there."