"DISTINCT VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE."

MR. LEE MARTIN'S OPINION. A HINT TO PRIME MINISTER. That the action of the electors in returning him as their representative in Parliament was a distinct vote of no confidence in the present Government, was the opinion expressed by Mr. Lee Martin in addressing the electors at Ngaruawahia when the iecision in his favour was announced, [n addition to that he said it was an indication to the Prime Minister (Hon. J. G. Ooatee) that the electors slid not agree with the tactics he amployed in the by-election. In returning his thanks for the support accorded him, Mr. Martin congratulated the other candidates on the splendid way in which they had eonducted the fight. He was gratified to know that no personalities had been indulged in. He gave the assurance that as the district's member he would represent the whole of the electors, and would regard it as his duty to promote the interests of everyone. He trusted that when the general election came round again, he would have merited an extension of the electors' confidence. Messrs. Waring, Parker, Magner and Taylor briefly returned thanks for the support also given them, and added their felicitations and congratulations to Mr. Martin.

Keen Interest in Result. Keen interest was shown in the election throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion. At points where the progress reports were posted up, crowds congregated and waited patiently for the final decision. Auckland was no exception to the rule, and from 7 o'clock onwards hundreds of people thronged Fort Street, where over the loud speaker the "Star" was able to give them the returns as they came to hand. When the position was finalised at about 9 o'clock, and the seat was definitely assured for Labour, the crowd dispersed with cheers for the party that the successful candidate supported. The opinion was freely expressed that the result was indicative of the feeling of the country towards the existing Government. The Successful Candidate. The successful candidate, Mr. Lee Martin, was born in Oamaru in 1870. He was educated at Waimate District High School and Normal School, Christchurch. He was an officer in the Salvation Army for six years, and worked in this capacity on the West Coast, in Dunedin, Tapanui, Rangiora, Woodville, Gore and Oamaru. Subsequently he took an active interest in the Labour movement in Wanganui. He was secretary of the Wanganui Painters' Union, and represented the tramway employees on the Tramway Appeal Board. He also represented Wanganui unions before the Education Commission in 1910. Mr. Martin has also taken an interest in education during his career, and for six years was a member of the Wanganui Technical College Board. In recent years, Mr Martin has been farming at Matangi and has represented the district in several local body capacities. He has been a member of the Tamaere Road Board, Central Power Board, Matangi School Committee, and the Matangi Glaxo Factory Suppliers' Committee. Mr. Martin has also been a worker in friendly societies for 30 years. In 1925 he contested the Hamilton seat, and polled 1900 votes against 6300 cast in favour of the Hon. J. A. Young.

Mrs. Joseph .Martin, of Devonport, is the new member's mother. Although she is in her ninety-first year, she took a keen interest iu following the progress of the election last evening. She residee with her younger son, the Rev. J. F. Martin.