WELLINGTON NORTH.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 137, 9 December 1908, Page 3

WELLINGTON NORTH.

"SOCIAL*" TO MR. HERDMAN. The gratification of the Opposition at tho success of their candidate (Mr. A. L. Herdinan) in tho Wellington North electorate was evidenced, by a large gathering at the Town Hall last night at a complimentary "social" given in his honour. Dr. Newman presided, and a feature of the proceedings was the large number of women who were present. In opening the proceedings, the chairman remarked on the numerous attendance, and said that the "social" had been arranged to enable Mr. Herdman to say "Thank you" to those who had put him in the proud position that he now occupies. Mr. Herdman had fought two big battles, and had come out on top on each occasion. His success had been amazing, and he was naturally grateful. (Applause.) Dr. Newman also had a word of praise for the way in which the women had worked in tho campaign. " The hand that rocks the cradle rocked you into Parliament," ho said, amid laughter, and he expressed tho full conviction at the way in which women had voted for a strong man and for clean politics. They wanted a strong man — one who would speak out and would not lie. Mr. Jierdman would do them good service, but if they only sent him again to Parliament and with more colleagues and made him a Minister ho would do still better. (Loud applause.) Captain J. T. King was tho next speaker. Mr. Herdman's public career, ho said, had been one of continued progress, during which he had gained tho esteem of all. (Applause.) And ho .was sure that Mr. Herdman was deserving of it (Renewed applause.) Mr. Herdman would represent them in Parliament without fear or favour, and he hed to move a vote of congratulation to him on his victory at tho elections. Tho motion was carried by acclamation. Mr. Herdman was cordially vdeeived on rising to reply. In doing so, he said he did not know how he could sufficiently express his gratitude to those who had given him the opportunity of returning thanks to those who had put him into that proud position. Ho felt tho compliment deeply. As to what had happened recently, he was thankful, first, that ho had got in ; secondly, that his getting in gratified his friends and supportere ; and thirdly, tbat there was no third ballot. (Laughler and applause.) The contest was over, the*' spears were put on one side, aoid the tomahawks were hanging on the walls. All he had to do was to thank those who had helped him, especially the ladies. (Applause.) Tho young men of the electorate also did him good service, and he remarked that it was a gratifying sign of the times to see the interest displayed by tho young men in the recent political contest. They recognised that in the fight they were striving to uphold and maintain the traditions of the race and the institutions of which they had a right to be proud. He hoped their example would be imitated by young men in the other parts of the Dominion. (Applause.) ." lon have placed me in a position of great trust and responsibility," said Mr. Herdman, in conclusion. "You have reposed confidence in me, and I have managed to raise hopes in your breasts. I only hope that those hopes will be fulfilled, and that in the next three years the responsibility you have plac'od on my shoulders will make me realise that I have a great duty to perform, and that I will be able to perform that duty faithfully. I shall endeavour to steer a straight course, and I hope, when the three years have gone by and when I come before you again — it I do — you will be able to say, well, at any rate, man did some good service in the vineyard." (Loud applause.) Three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Herdman, followed by the singing of " He's a Jolly Good Fellow." On the motion of Mr. Buddie a vote of thanks. was passed to the ladies who had assisted Mr. Herdman in his campaign. After acknowledging the vote of thanks, Miss E. Nathan presented / a bouquet to Mrs. Herdman. A programme of vocal and instrumental items was contributed by Dr. Fyffe, Miss A. Thackeray, Miss Lloyd Hassell, and Messrs. D. A. Kenny, T. G. Queree, and F. Blandford.