MR. BRYCE'S FAREWELL SPEECH.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 306, 5 October 1887, Page 2

MR. BRYCE'S FAREWELL SPEECH.

Tho official declaration of the Wailot'ira poll took plnco at Waverley on Monday, both Measrs Hutchison and Bryee being present. Mr Bryoe, taking a farewell of his old constituents, Bpoke aB followa : — •' I desire to tako advautngo of the present opportunity to say a few words to the electors of ibis district With th« return of my be my thanks to iho e'eQtorH of this district, which has roturned mo so otyun %» iM member, 1 do not think the eleotorn have 'ever hicl real cause to bo nshamod of me, and I kuow I have often fel& proud of nay cons' uuents. I wish jilro to uek'nowlodgp with my warmest thanks tho uuuiiior in which my frioniia havo stood l>y m.tt >v *b e lato contest. 'I havo felt their kindness very much, and let me say to them that, though beaten, wo are not disgraced. Some defeats are more honorably tljarj. .some victories, and this may bo one of them. A..> ilo those electors who have gone against me in this eleation on general or public grounds, I hope we part in friendship. J shall endeavor to retain their respect as a private settlor, .even .though I have lost their confidence. Aa a public man I have no right to complain of their action, and I assure you I have not tho least .disposition to do so. There may be other electors who have yoted in this election from selrlsh or unworthy motives. To them I would B fl y let us part in peace. I have ; never sought the support of auch pepple, and j Ido not now regret haying lost it. Gentle* men, I have represented this digtrict, with a short interval, for 21 years, and I am sure ;/ou will excuse we if I say that there is

something painful in this parting. Perhaps some of that feeling is due to mortified vanity. If it be so let me assure you that the feeling of mortification will soon pass away, andll shall only remember your long continued confidence and kindness."