MR. R. A. WRIGHT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 125, 25 November 1908, Page 3

MR. R. A. WRIGHT.

M*. Wright, member for Wellington South, also got a hearty reception. After excusing himself owing to his voice "having gone on strike," he thanked his supporters and those who had worked on his behali. Mr. Barber and his committee were to be congratulated on the clean fight they had fought, and. on his own behalf he could, say that ne had not been guilty of a contemptible action. The presfc, too, had treated him as well as it could. When he started on his campaign it was said that he had no chance, but the electors had given the contradiction to that prophecy. He again denied the story that he had been severe on his employees. In sending him to Parliament the electors had taught ' the Government a lesson. All they wanted the Government to do was what was fair and right and just. They did not xyant anything further. "I am not going into the House to heckle Lhe Government," he said, "but if the Government attempts to use its powers against the interests of the people, J will stand up toi the people and for clean administration and fair play." (Cheers.) He realised that he had been elected to Parliament in the interests of reform. (Cheers.) At Mr. Wright's request three cheers were (liven for Mr. Barbel. In the course of his speech last night, Sir J. G. Ward oxtended his felicitations to the new members, and hopes for their future success, and he expressed the hope that now the battle was over they could put their arms aside for a time, meet one another as fello>v--men, agree to bury their differences, and display to each other the ordinary courtesies and amenities which make life so pleasant to us all. (Applause.) The Government would carry on a programme of progress and development in the interests of all. It would not discriminate between the classes and the masses. It would do its duty lo all without discrimination, and that wns nil n Government could do. (Loud cheers. \