AFTER DEFEAT

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 112, 16 November 1928, Page 10

AFTER DEFEAT

MINISTERS' REMARKS Following are some local Press comments on the defeat of the. Hon. A. D. M' Leod for Wairarapa and the Hon. 0. Ilawkeri for Taranaki:— The "Wairarapa Daily News" says: "It is now evident that 'Jolonel M'Donald correctly gauged the political sentiment of the Wairarapa electors who have decided to displace the Hon. A. D. M'Leod, who has served them most ably and efficiently for many years, and try a new man. The spirit of change has swept not only the Wairarapa, but the whole Dominion, and no consideration of any kind has been strong enough to check it. Mr. M'Leod's record stands, and it is one that he and the district can be heartily proud of. His defeat is not due to any personal or public shortcoming. No one could have been more devoted to public duty, and few have done io much for his fellowmen. The majority of the electors, however, have tired of well-doing, and determined upon a change. The glitter of that seventy million loan has stimulated this unrest, and tlio change lias been made. The figures of tho poll indicate the deliberate determination of the majority of the electors to try the new man, Colonel M'Donald, in place of the old servant, and he may justly, feel very highly complimented, and be congratulated upon a remarkable victory. We have no doubt that he will do his. best to justify the honour conferred upon him." Immediately tho result of the Wairarapa seat was beyond doubt, the Hon. A. D. M'Leod mounted the staging outside the "Daily News" office and heartily thanked all those who h/1 worked for him. Naturally, he was very disappointed with the result, but would ask them to give three hearty cheers for his successful opponent, Colonel M'Donald. He hoped that, given good health and strength, he would contest the seat at the next election. The cheers called for were heartily responded to, and with further cheering Mr. M'Leod' left to visit tho other Wairarapa towns. Colonel M'Donald was greeted with vociferous cheering as he stood up to speak. He was accompanied by Mrs. M'Donald, and as soon as she stood alongside her husband she was presented with a bouquet by Miss I). Dudson. Colonel M'Donald, before returning thanks, called for three cheers for his opponent, whom he described as a man

who liad done great ; work for. his district and country. 110 went on to thank the people for the very great honour they had. done him, and would nHsuro them that he would faithfully carry out the promises ho had made to them during the election campaign.