SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1536, 18 August 1905, Page 3

SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL

RETURN TO NEW ZEALAND.

Wellington, Wednesday. Sit William Bussell and Lady Bussell returned to Now Zealand tc-day from tboir trip to England and Europe. Sir William, during a poclion of his stay in England, suffered a gcod di a! from ill health, which delayed his return to the colony, but he has returned in excellent spirits and as strong or stronger than when he went away. His two daughters will return to the colony in about three months’ time. A brief stay in Egypt aDd a tour in Europe proved most enjoyable. At Cairo the party were most fortunate in beiog able to witness the procession of the Holy Carpet—a large number of pilgrims setting out for Mecca. The particular carpet that gives the procession its name is supposed to be the carpet oo which Mahommed prayed. There was a great parade of the Egyptian troops, with Lord Cromer and the British garrison in full uniform. At Borne, too, ihe party were fortunate in getting tickets to St. Peter's on the occasion of a ceremony of canonisation, during wbioh tho Pope was borne in upon his chair, and the Swiss Guards were oo duty. During his stay in England, Sir Wm. Bussell several times eaw Lord Eanfurly, our late Governor, whose interest in New Zealand is as keen as ever. Lord Baofurly has invested in the Motor Bus Com paDy, and is chairman of its board of directors. Sir William attended a charm iDg ball given by Lord and Lady Banfurly in London before he left. Lady Baofuily appeared to be much improved in health Sir William also saw something of Major Alexander and Mr Hill Trevor, both of whom are still interested in tho colony. New Zealand is not now attracting qu eso muoh attßnt : on Bt Home as it did _ .’ew years ago. There is, it appears, a small section of the people interested in us and our doings, but the great mass of the people know as little about ns as we know about Nova Scotia. Those who follow our politics and our legislation at all closely seem to look upon us with on interest in which is mingled something of amusement and even amazement. There were somewhat anxious inquiries as to the rate at which we are piling up our public indebtedness. As to the position of British politics, Sir William was some time back informed by a very high authority on the Mioieterial aide that there would be a dissolution dur-

iDg this August. Subsequently tbe Bame mao told him that matters in connection with the party had been fixed up, and that there would be no election till Judo of next year. The present British Government, says Sir William, will certainly go out after the general election, but it is not considered likely that Sir Henry CampbellBannerman will be able to retain office for more than three years. Then Mr Chamberlain hopes to have his chance. In the meantime he will get his policy before the country, and it will not come as a surprise at the second election from now. Meanwhile the Freetrade shibboleth is keeping Mr Chamborlain’s preferential trade ideas in the background. Sir William spent a considerable time in Mr Chamberlain’s company. The ex: Colonial Secretary is, he says, remarkably vigorous and young looking for his years, ana has a most charming wife, England generally, as far as Sir William could judge, was prosperous. He saw no signs of commercial, mental or moral decadence. '