THE RECENT BY-ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15827, 28 July 1913, Page 2

THE RECENT BY-ELECTION

MR MICHEL'S CANDIDATURE. PUBLIC RECOGNITION. AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) GREY.MOUTH. July 27. About 500 supporters of Mr H. L. Michel in the recent by-election assembled at Greymonth for the purpose of arranging a presentation to him in recognition of the absolutely clean and splendid fight he put up in the cause of Reform. The proceedings, which were of a most enthusiastic nature, were presided over by Dr W. M'Kay (chairman of Mr Michel's late committee)..

Dr M'Kay referred in most eulogistic terms to the absolutely clean fight put up by Mr Michel He declared that the result was a wonderful achievement considering the difficulties that had to be contended with, and dwelt upon the fact that their candidate in his defeat had proved liimsclf to be a true sport in every sense of the word, and that his speech after the declaration of the poll was deeply appreciated by those who had fought for ji:m. There was no tinge of bitterness in his remarks, and the absence of an animus would no doubt act as a lesson for others to profit by. The verdict of the electors had been accepted by Mr Michel with a good grace, and a the fact that their candidate had come up smiling 'on the occasion was one which he knew they ail much admired. The gallant and able manner in which Mr Michel had conducted the campaign would be remembered for years to come, and although they had not won the election the result was one which they were 1 all very proud of. Mr Kettle endorsed the remarks of the chairman, and mentioned that although he supported Mr Hannan in the first ballot ho had worked hard to secure Mr Michel's return in the final poll. Other speakers included Messrs J. Taylor, J. D. Lynch, A. Gilbert, F. C. Wade, G. H. Eisfelder. V. M'Gregor, and K. Jeffries, all of whom were loudly applauded by the large and enthusiastic gathering.

It was ultimately decided that those present form a committee" to further the objects of the meeting. Outside committees had been communicated with, and the movement was being enthusiastically taken up. The sum of over £200 was raised in tho room. Lists were issued returnable in two weeks, when it is expected that the sum of £500 will be forthcoming from the, approximately, 3000 Government supporters in the electorate. It was resolved to form a branch of the Reform League at an early date. It was also decided that a monster Reform social should be tendered to Mr and Mrs Michel at an earlv date.

The various speakers indicated that Mr Michel would suffer no pecuniary loss, but that a substantial surplus would be avaUable as a slight recognition of his acceding to the wishes of those who had signed the petition asking that he should enter the field.

Special mention wa,s made of the excellent services rendered by Mr Jones in conducting the campaign. ' It is expected that the proposed function will be attended by supporters from all parts of the electorate, and judging by the enthusiasm evinced at the meeting and the substantial amount handed in, the success of the gathering is a foregone conclusion.