Mr Wakefield at Reefton.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4694, 17 May 1883, Page 3

Mr Wakefield at Reefton.

+ [Pbb Pbbss Association.] EKEFTON, Mat 16. Mr Wakefield was entertained at a banquet last night. About 170 penons were present, and a vory successful gathering took place. Mr W. H. Jones, solicitor, presided, vice Mr P. J. Oaples, ex- Oounty Ohairman. Tho croupier, in proposing the toast of tho evening, said, though defeated, Mr Wakefield had seoured a larger number of votes than any other unsuccessful candidate in the Oolony, and considering the extraordinary Government and County Council influence brought to bear against him, his position at the poll was in the highest degree honorable to him as a candidate, and the electors who sup* ' ported him. Sheuld another opportunity i arise, Mr Wakefield would be Bgain invited to contest the election, and, profiting by the experience of the laet contest, such steps would bo taken as would secure his return by a triumphant majority. Mr Wakefield, in replying, said the result, considering the charaoter of the oppositionists and the faot that he was a comparative stranger to the electors, was the highest oomplimenb ever paid to a publio man in the Oolony. Should an opportunity again occur, and the people desire it, he should feel ready to come forward again. His visit to the West Coast waß an epoch in his lifetime, aid the reception he met with and the support accorded him would never be forgotten. J^Se left this morning for Greymouth, en route for Ohristchuroh. Mr Shaw is to be banquetted to-night by his supporters, The electioneering excitement is now subsiding.