FACING THE MUSIC

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 141, 11 December 1914, Page 3

FACING THE MUSIC

CANDIDATES' SPEECHES MR. FISHER'S RECEPTION Mr. Fisher, the defeated candidate for Wellington Central,, appeared od The Post balcony at 9.45, and the vast crowd had no sooner caught sight of him than it burst into a prolonged roar of hooting and cheering. The Minister was quite unable to get a hearing, but nevertheless addressed the crowd, speaking mainly to the press representatives who were standing close at his side. He said that was the first time he had experienced defeat in a Parliamentary election, and he accepted the result without any regret whatever. He had sustained defeat so often on the field of sport that he had become accustomed to experiencing the sensation. Ho sincerely hoped that the Reform Party would be returned to power, and that Mr. Massey would continue to Conduct the affairs of State. "If," he said, "the party goes in and I go out there will be no one in New Zealand more pleased than I. I haye had ten years in Parliament. I have done my best to serve the public faithfully and loyally, and should they require my services at any future time, then as a citizen I shall place myself entirely at their dis« posal. I wish to extend my congratulations to Mr. Fletcher." He also thanked his committee and joint secretaries for the loyal support he had received. He had no more to add except to thank the public for the confidence they had shown in him during the past ten years. "Good night !" called Mr. Fisher to the assembled multitude, and waved his hand as he retired. During his short address the crowd rocked to and fro cheering and booting in unison, and when they caught Mr. i Fisher's retiring gesture, they burst into a still louder demonstration, which lasted for two or three minutes.