MR MASSEY INTERVIEWED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1623, 11 December 1905, Page 2

MR MASSEY INTERVIEWED.

'(Per Press Association.) Auckland, Saturday.

Mr Massay, Leader of the Opposition, interviewed by a representative of the Herald regarding the result cf the election, said :—" I believe that the result is largely owing to tbe unfortunate voucher incident, which occupied so much timo during last session... This, no doubt, had the effect of creating a great deal of sympathy for Mr Seddon, and he and members of his party did not uegleot to make the most of it. I consider it is almost parallel with the famous 1 Bun Tuck’ incident of six years ago, which had a similar effect in favorOf the Government.”

As anotber important factor in the elections, Mr Massey mentioned that in a la' ga number of oases his party suffered through votes against the Government being split by plurality of candidates. “ There were,” he said, “at least three such instances in Auckland district, viz.: Bay of Islands, Parnell, and Auck'and Erst. The Opposition were similarly situated in regard to tbe Taranaki, Pates, and Hawera distrioSs. In these districts tbe Opposition would probably have wOn bad there been a straight-out run against tbe Government. The same remarks also applied to a number of electorates in the South Island. It wa3 noticeable that in many of tbe districts returning Government supporters there was very stroDg voting for the Oppos'tion, several of the majorities berag exceedingly narrow." On being asked whether it was tbe Opposition would feel discouraged t.\>. the result of the oleotions, Mr Massey said: 11 As far as I am personally concerned, I may aay that while I feel disappointed at what has taken place, I <%} not intend to allow it to affect me so far as the business of Parliament is concerned. I would also like to say that I cannot help feeling proud of the largo majority given to me by the electors of Franklin, in spite of the promises and solicitations of the i) Premier during his recent visit to tho electorate. I can only regrot that the peopio in other electorates have not seon their way to take up the samo position.” What oourso is tho Opposition likely to take up in future ?

“ It is impossible just now to siy very rmioh about the future," replied Mr Massey, “ but I may say that while I think it is a national calamity that men like Sir William Russell, Messrs Duthie, Buchanan, Lang, and some of the others, should have been rejected, I am confident that those who are loft will do their duty in criticising Government proposals and iosisting on publioity in connection with Government expenditure.”