THE OPPOSITION PARTY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3009, 5 October 1908, Page 5

THE OPPOSITION PARTY.

BANQUET TO RETIRING MEMBERS.

1 BY TELEGRAPH—PBEBS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, October 4. The Parliamentary Opposition Party banqueted the retiring raera.bes of -the Party last night at the Grand Hotel. The proceedings were marked by the utmost enthusiasm. Mr W-. P. Massey, who was recieved with loud aplause, said that they had assembled to bid good-bye to those members of the party who were not seeking re-election. The regret felt by the party at the retirement of those members was widely shared on both sides of the House, and many people throughout the country. They could not forget the services rendered to the Party by the retiring members. At no time in the hUtory of the country had to many strong reliable men been required on the Opposition side to combat the parochial tendencies creeping into Parliamentary lite and' .to battle against such measures as the Second Ballot Bill, which in the form in which it was originally sought to pass it aimed at the liberty of the Press and people. He thought what was required at the present time was more liberty. Tnere was to-day no respect for the individual and the country badly wanted the services of such men as thev were losing now. (Applause). Mr P. Y. Lethbxidge apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr <J. Lewis, and thanked Mr Massey for the kind words hj« had spoken. Nothing was further from his thoughts when he decided to leave politics than to desert the cause. He referred to modern political tendencies, and the scramble for votes. Air J. G. W. Aitken said that it was well known that it was not disaffection which stood in the way of his offering himself for re-election. He hoped the Party would be returned with a larger representation at the next election. Mr E. W. Alison said that the Party was losing four members who would have been re-elected if they had chosen to stand again and referred to the loyal manner in which they had for so many years defended the best and honest interests of the Party. (Applause). He trusted that Mr Masrey would long be retained to Parliament, and that he would attain to the highest position in Parliament. (Applause), It was essential that there should be a strong and vigorous Opposition in Parliament. Mr Massey said that the leader of the Opposition had a hard task, but the position had its compensations. The work of the Opposition was greatly appreciated by many of their fellow colonists, and he knew he always had the loyal support of all the members of his Party. tie paid a high tribute to Messrs James Allen and Hemes. No leader could have better support than he received irom them. The Opposition had largely influenced the legislation'placed in the Statute Book, and to some extent had prevented extravagant expenditure. The Opposition stood for true Libers 1 ism and genuine democracy, and the time would come when a majority of the people would recognise that fact. Mr Uuthie responded to the toast of his health and said that the present administration by its use of the public purse had .debauched the constituencies.