SPEECH BY REFORM LEADER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1312, 15 December 1911, Page 6

SPEECH BY REFORM LEADER.

THANKS THE PEOPLE OP NEW ZEALAND. "THE WARD GOVERNMENT IS AT AN END." MEMORABLE SCENE AT AUCKLAND. IBj Tolomnh.—PreH Association.) Auckland, December 14. Great enthusiasm wae displayed by til* crowds in tlio street watching tho clcctiou results to-night, tho principal items of interest being the defoat of Sir John Findlay and Mr. Fowlds, and tho successes of tho Opposition. Mr, Massey addi'essod the crowd from tho "Herald" buildings. Ho said: "Allow mo to thank th® people of New Zealand generally, and tho people of Auckland in particular, for the generouH support accorded to myself and to tho parly with which 1 am connccfced at tho pedis to-day. 1 extend my sineerest grotiludo to my fellow citizens and fellow settlers in rarnell and Grey Lynn—(cheers) --and to my follow citizens and fellow settlers in Waitematg. and Kaipnva, (Cheers.) A voice: What about the workers? "I lhank you for the interjection—to my fellow workers—everyone. (Enthusiastic elisors.) "When wo commenced this campaign, I determined, if it were possible, to put up the biggest fight this country hod ever seen—(cheers)—and with tlio enthusin.stic assistance of my friends and follow citizens' and fellow workers I have achieved that object." Prolonged cheers followed, tho crowd breaking into on enthusiastic demonstration that for some time prevented Mr. Massey from (speaking. There was some remark in tho crowd about tho Primo Ministership, and llr. Massey said:

"When the title comes to me I don't think you will say I have not deserved it. Whey we commenced this campaign I knew that wo had to contend with all tho influences of political patronage and political expenditure, and, in many eases, with tho influonco of privately-owned wealth arrayed against us; but wo have prevailed against all difficulties placed ill our way."

At the moment, ho added, there wero still many returns to oonto in, and ho could not say exactly whut the position would be. l'avties might )h> evenly balanoed, but whatever the position might bo the first aim of his party would be. not their own interests, but the welfaro of th'o people of New Zealand. Tho lniso. audience was almost frantically excited, and cheorcd tilt speaker again awl again in deafening uproar. As many in the vast crowd had )xv;n unable to hear Mr. Massey's first speech, ho went (by request) to tho front door of the "Herald" office, and, balanced on a chair, spoke to his audience again. Ho thanked tho people from the bottom of his heart.

"I have no wish to gloat over the dofeat of our opponents," liio said, "but I cannot help saying to-night that on.acco.yfjt of your support, I am now tho proudest and happi<«t man in this Dominion. Your votes arc on answer to ull tho slanders that have been circulated with rogard to my parly, and to myself, and have proved that you have appreciated tho good work, and 1 say it is good work that has been done by tho lieform party. (Cheers and uproarious applause,) You have shown by your votes that you aro in favour of clean government. (Cheers.) Whatever may happen during tho next two or threo months tho Ward Government is at an end. Tlwi people of tho country hnva to-day ■ declared against it. and in' favour of men who have for years past dona their level best for their fellow-citizens. (Clirt■vs.) The first thought of the men who haui worked with mo, and who ara now members of Parliament to-night, will bo for tho welfaro of the people."

Duncdin, December H. Whten interviewed to-night after th« rosnlU ivoro made known, Mr. Jas. Alloa said tlio Government wag clearly in a minority, and ought not to attempt to carry on the business of the country. He did not think it necessary for him to say anything further at present.