THE HEADLESS OPPOSITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3603, 16 August 1912, Page 5

THE HEADLESS OPPOSITION.

Mil .MASSEY'S LITTLE JOKE

Bv Telegraph—Special C-orresnondent. )Y£LLIXGTON, Aug. 15. Some weak points in the Opposition armour were found by the Prime Minister during an exchange of remarks with Sir Joseph Ward in the. House of Representatives this afternoon.

Two days ago Mr Russell (Avon) asked the Government to co-operate with the Commonwealth -Government in protecting their interests in regard to the proposed Panama Canal dues. This afternoon a similar question was asked by Sir Joseph Ward. Mr Massey replied that Sir Joseph Ward was evidently not aware that another Leader of the Opposition had brought- this matter up. ■Sir Joseph Ward: I am not the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr Massey: I said another Leader of the Opposition. I cannot give any other answer than I gave before—that the matter is under the consideration of the Government and I hope to give a reply in the course of a few da vs.

Sir -Joseph Ward: I was not here on the former occasion, otherwise I should not have asked the question. [ may say that I am-not aspiring to be recognised- as one of the leaders of the Opposition. Ha thanked the Leader of the Government and the Minister for Public Works for the extra accommodation provided in the Opposition Whip s room. They had now 33 seats. They might, of course, want more shortly. • Mr Massey: lam glad to have the thanks of the lion, gentleman, especially as it indicates that they are going to -occupy the Opposition Whips’ room for a very long time. Hir J. Ward: I can assure — The rest of his remarks were frowned in the hurst of laughter which followed; Mr Massey's remark.