THE OPPOSITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2381, 23 December 1908, Page 5

THE OPPOSITION.

BANQUET TO SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL.

[Press Association.]

HASTINGS, Dec. 22

A banquet was tendered to Sir William Russell last night by his supporters. Among those present were Messrs W .C. Buchanan, M.P., J. Duthie, F. G. Lethbridge, R. D. D. McLean, A. L. D. Fraser, and other gentlemen prominent in public affairs. Messrs Massey, E. Newman, George Hnuter, and A. L. Herdman sent apologies. The chairman (Mr E. H. Williams) said it was to be hoped that Sir William would yet take an active part, in guiding the destinies of New Zealand, because of the high and disinterested principles upon which his actions had always been founded. In the course of his reply. Sir William said he had spent his live ill the district. and in every possible way had striven to serve its interests. He made it a principle to first consider the welfare of the country as a whole, .and lie had never grovelled to a Ministry or sneaked to their doors with applications for small grants for his constituency. The chairman had referred to his position as leader of the Opposition, and in that connection he wished he had had no more loyal supporters than Messrs Duthie, Buchanan. and Lethbridge. All had worked amicably and loyally in what they believed to be for the benefit of the country. The Government measures had been brought down in u crude and ill-considered fashion, and the Opposition had licked them into such a shape that now they were on the statute books. Referring to the recent elections, lie expressed satisfaction that, although he himself had been defeated, the Opposition had gained a number of seats.