MR RUSSELL AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2345, 21 July 1887, Page 3

MR RUSSELL AT CAMBRIDGE.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sm,—The great “ I am ” has spoken, ami already in his own imagination, stands on the floor of the House at Wellington as the representative of the “ uncrowned Majesty of the Waikato people": or, to speak plainly, Mr Russell, surnamed G.W. which, in Indian poetic language, might signify ‘•Great Wind Bag,” has aired ids sentiments before the electors and non-electors of Cambridge, carried the show of hands, and, for the time being, gained a vote of confidence. We will give Mr Russell credit for making a very able speech, self-conlident in the extreme, and with the personal pronown “I” prominent throughout. But last nights’ meeting will not place Mr Russell at the head of the poll by any means. We are looking anxiously and hopefully to see Mr Whyte take his place on the platform. He is our man, for ho has been tried and not found wanting, and has always been what lie is at present. In some things we agree with Mr Russell, but certainly not to the extent ho goes, and he did not clear himself on some of the questions asked. He must indeed have a bad memory, or else. “ not been himself at all, if he can give no account of the conversation referred with Mr Gould about the t10,000,000 loan. Again, can ho show the requisition signed by—how many? —electors of the Waikato ? Neither was he clear on other points. He goes too far in his scheme of “drastic” retrenchment.

How very striking that favourite word of his sounds; it rhymes with “ elastic ” as applied to politics. Granted that some of the Governments appointments might be done away with. Some continued some salaries modified, the sweeping retrenchment Mr Russell proposes is vdtrain the extreme. Let him try public life a little, and he'll find the money soon goes. Mr Forrest quoted poor old Solomon, and said, “ there is a time for everything.” I would also quote scripture, and ask “ is not the labourer worthy of his hive?” Any man, let him be Governor, or this, that the other, who is worthy of occupying a public position, and devotes his time, brains, and often forfeits the domestic quiet, and comfort of his homo for the public good deserves to bo well paid. Wo want retrenchment, certainly, in many ways, but not cutting down everything to one half; and any man, especially one with a family, will not find he has much to spare out of his salary in many cases in public life. Mr Russell’s remark on the education question were good in many points, but rather muddled in others. Certainly the education now going on in our high schools is absurd, for our children are taught what in after life will be utterly useless to them, and I do think a line ought to bo drawn between those children whose parents can afford to send them to a private school whore they can bo taught as many accomplishments as they like, and those whose means are not adequate to this, and whose children will in many eases have to work for their own living and on whom accomplishments, languages, &c, are therefore just wasted. We (i.e. I and my friends) were, much struck with Mr Russell’s “drastic” remarks about the “bosh” talked in the House of Representatives. Bo* lie must remember it is not every one wl. ,s blessed with the “ gift of the gab ” biro himself, and no doubt when(?) betakes his stand there himself, and to use his own words, “speaks right out ” bosh will bo done away with altogether, for the fervid eloquence of his words will have such an effect on his brother members that nothing but the most lofty sentiments will in future be heard. Mr Russell can talk, and talk some people into believing, what he docs himself most thoroughly, that if ho is returned as our member, ho and he only will the “ right man in the right place.” Well, there may be two opinions about this. His views as to our defence, they do not hold water. That is a most serious question, and not long ago when things were so shaky that a general war seemed imminent we should have fared badly if no precautions has been taken. Our moans of defence ought to bo kept up as much as possible, and the more largely our volunteer movement is encouraged the better ; *leq instead

of (Mir Imv.-i nt school being drilled by an un-drillvd schoolmaster, a small salary paid to a proper drill-instructor would lie money well l.estowed. In conclusion, pray don’t let Mr Russell suppose that because the ladies mustered rather strongly at last night's meeting that it was a proof of favouritism. They wont to hear him, certainly, but as one nr two of the sweet creatures remarked to me afterwards, they didn’t think they were any more convinced of his perfection than before ! I will not take up more of your apace with mv remarks, but will beg to state that Mr Whyte will meet with a right hearty welcome, when he comes which, it is to bo hoped will be soon, and his friends will fight hard for him. —I remain, yours faithfully. Duke-street Xo, 2. Cambridge, .Tidy 14th.