THE BY-ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12559, 22 July 1901, Page 6

THE BY-ELECTION.

"SOCIAL" TO MR. SMITH. Mr G. J. Smith, the successful candidate at the recent 'by-election in Christchurch, -was entertained at & "social" in the Art Gallery on Saturday evening by his .committee and; supporters. There was an attendance of over 250 ladies and gentlemen, and the number was increased later in the evening. Apologies for absence were read from the Rev Dr" Eknslie and Mr J. Hadfield (chairman of the Sydenham Committee). The former expressed his regret at nob being able to 'be present, but said 1 that Mr Smith's supporters must all rejoice that they had 1 got their candidate in. Mr J. A. Flesher,, chairman of the General Committee, presided. The Chairman sadd .that', the occasion was an auspicious one. They were all pleased that they had won- the election, but even if they had been beaten, .they would have taken.the reverse philosophically, as Mr Turnbull would say'. Miss Roberts, who was received with applause, said that everyone present was interested in the righteousness 'of politics, and' in having -clean administration. They should all work hard during the next twelve (months for the cause they had at heart. Twelve thousand people were 'to be enrolled in the next eighteen months, and they should do what they could to induce electors to place their names on the rolls, in the interests of local option as well as in those of candidates. She ridiculed statements in the newspapers that Mr. Smith was not brilliant, and that he was "as weak as water," and she congratulated him on his success. It was but an earnest of what was in store for -them, if they only worked. (Applause.) Mr T. E. Taylor, who was also applauded, said they all felt that the honour which bad been conferred on Mr Smith was shared by his friends. For the third time Mr Smith had been elected a member, of Parliament. (Applause.) Though Mr Smith must feel proud, the result of the election should be taken as an indication that the immense prejudice against prohibitionists was being broken down. Within the last ten years they had fought in Christchurch a fight which was now almost won. To-day the prohibitionists were Tecognised as a force in politics. They had a right that night to do a little boasting, as the Party had forced into politics a great moral issue. Both Mr Smith and the Prohibition Party deserved to be congratulated on their success. (Applause.) Mr. Smith was loudly cheered when he rose to reply. He said that he appreciated the kindness and esteem shown to him, as indicated by that meeting. Never before had he felt so deeply the responsibility of representing the city of Christchiirch. He represented no section, but the whole. He had received' congratulations from ail sections, including many from the workers. He thanked them for the work they had done in connection with the election. (Applause.) The Chairman, later on, said that the newspapers in the city deserved •thanks. He specially mentioned the Lyttelton Times," which, he said, had been conducted with fairness during the election, the Editor holding the scales in an impartial manner. Refreshments were provided', and songs and instrumental items were given during the evening.