MR. A. R. ATKINSON.

"Three cheers for Atkinson" suraobody called when Mr. Atkinson appeared, and the response was hearty and general. "1 never had a very high opinion ot the Second Ballot Act — (laughter) — and to-night it is lower than ever." In this way the defeated candidata for Wellington East greeted the electors. He thanked his friends and supporters for the work they had done on his behalf, and he hoped that night they were not ashamed of him. Although defeated, he was not crushed, and was quite prepared to go to the poll again next election. "I am good enough," he said, "to win Wellington East on a fair go next time.'' ("Question" and cheers.) He desired to congratulate independent Labour on th« victory it had won, and on the clean and fair fight which it had fought. It •was quite true that in the second ballot Laoour had the assistance of the other elements which he did not need to particularise, but Mr. M'Laren was quite entitled to credit for his victory. Throughout the contest ne had maintained excellent relations with Mr. M'Laren. He called foi three cheers for the victory, and the crowd, on its own initiative, gave three mere for Mr. Atkinson.