The New Zealand Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY). FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1905. AFTER THE BATTLE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5557, 7 April 1905, Page 4

The New Zealand Times.

(PUBLISHED DAILY). FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1905. AFTER THE BATTLE.

fin WHICH IB JKOORPOniTB» V*H» “ WSU*l«6»oa established 1646.

With cordiality wo accept the verdict of tlio electors of Wellington, who have declared in favour of Mr F. M. B. Fisher as their representative in Parliament during the coming session. It would be idle to 1 deny that the hereditary idea lias been a large, if not a determining, factor in the result. The late Mr Fisher, with all his faults, rendered many great and memorable services to Wellington; and the fact that his son should have boon preferred for Parliamentary honours over such a desirable candidate as Air Izard is a telling proof that the democracy is not so forgetful or ungrateful as it is sometimes alleged to be. The newly-electcd member for the city has every reason to bo proud of the confidence reposed in him, and it is to be hoped that he will appreciate to the full his responsibilities, and so comport himself during the last session of the present Parliament that he will be certain of re-elec-tion in December next. As w© said from the start, ho has the ring of the true motal in him. and will prove a creditable representative of his native city. If he has the good sense to steer a straight course, uninfluenced by tho flattery of tho Opposition or by personal feeling of any kind, he may be assured of a continuance of the confidence of the electors and of a long and useful career as' a politician. He showed the true spirit yesterday evening, when, in the hour of victory, he stated that he had no animosity to the Premier, and that he would support him in whatever was right. His action in calling for cheers for the newspapers was a testimony to his sense of the fair and kindly treatment extended to him as a young and promising politician; and wo sincerely trust he will never do anything that will cause him to forfeit the good opinions expressed regarding him. Of Mr Izard it can be said that he fought a good fight, free from all personality, vulgarity, or objectionable tactics, and that the large support accorded him should encourage him to once more seek the suffrages of his fel-low-townsmen, with every prospect of a successful issue. His comparative -failure at the present time, due to the dispersion of the Liberal vote, need not discourage him; and his platform appearances have exhibited him in such a favourable light that bis future career as a politician is assured, if he cares to pursue his ambi- . tion to guide the affaire of the country. Mr Hutcheson’s position on the poll is only what was to be expected, and for that position he has no one but himself to blame. He started as “first favourite”—as a politician of experience and ability—as a man of great personal popularity and of high character and of worthy aims. He had every advantage in having as his opponents t-v.-o young and untried men, and in being supported by the united forces of the Opposition and prohibition parties. His first speech, however, damaged his chances, on account of the violence of his language and the extreme and unpractical views he enunciated; and as the campaign progressed he lost further ground from the same causes. He was not “assassinated,” but ho committed political suicide; and he will be illadvised if he carries out his expressed determination of again seeking' the suffrages of tho Wellington ©lectors. His fall is to be deplored., for it cannot be denied that there are good elements in him as a public man. The injudicious advocacy of his journalistic champion doubtless contributed to his defeat, but in the main be went down because of the defects of his own qualities. From a party point of view, the byelection just decided gives strong confirmation to our contention that the Wellington constituency is essentially Liberal. Of the <11,154 valid votes oast yesterday, no fewer than 8133 were given to the Liberal candidates, Messrs Fisher and Izard, against 3021 bestowed oni Air Hutcheson. No doubt some Liberal votes also went to the lastnamed gentleman, but these were probably balanced by the bestowal of some moderate Conservative votes on Mr Izard. It may be argued that all yesterday’s votes were Liberal, and that seven or eight thousand voters who did not go to the poll represent the Conservative vote, which at last general election was about seven thousand strong. Accepting this view for the sake of argument, it shows that the Liberal strength is as eleven to seven Li any case, the by-election has demonstrated that it is possible for the Libera; electors to carry the throe city seats at next election if they are only united and do not disperse their votes among rival candidates of the “independent” or separate labour order. The result, so far as the Government is concerned. leaves thinp exactly as they were. Father is succeeded by son, and the son will follow in the footsteps of tho father to the extent of voting for the Government on questions of no-con-fidence, while reserving to himself 'full liberty to decide for himself on all other matters. The electors, we still think, would have-don© better had they

chosen Mr Izard; but they have elected a good, earnest, able man in young Mr Fisher, and we feel sure they will never have reason to regret their choice.