The Departure from Dunedin.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6045, 29 September 1887, Page 2

The Departure from Dunedin.

j There -was a large crowd at the Dnnedin I Eailway Station to witness the departure of Sir E. Stout for Wellington. The platform was crowded, and just before the train started for Port Chalmers, Mr E' Gourley stepped forward and said thathe had been deputed by a large body of the citizens to Bay a few words. First, to express their regret at the action of Dunedin Eaat in rejecting one of the ablest statesmen Bouth of the line. They hoped that he would reconsider his determination, and not retire into private life. Though Dunedin East had rejected him, those who had voted against him were now sorry, and if the election were to take place to-morrow, the decision would be reversed. The great majority of the Dunediu citizens were only too anxions that he should still represent the public of Otago. (Loud applause.) Three cheers were called and heartily given for Sir K. Stout, and "one cheer more " for Lady Stout, and three groans for the Otago Daily Times. Sir E. Stout, who was loudly applauded, replied, stating that he had been cheered by the kind sympathy of hiß fellow Colonists from all over the Colony. The first telegram he got was from the miners of Bannockburn. From settlers in outlying districts he had never visited, from Auckland to Southland, he had received kindly sympathy. He was especially pleased to receive from his old pupils their .kindly regrets. In retiring into private life^ he hoped as a citizen to still merit their esteem. He could say no more than thank them. (Loud applause.) Ab the train left there was more cheering for Sir Robert Stout and more groaning for the Otago Times.