DECLARING THE RESULT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8912, 25 April 1907, Page 1

DECLARING THE RESULT.

SPEECHES OF CANDIDATES

The result of the poll was declared by Mr G. W. Hulme, deputy-returning officer, -at about half-past nine o'clock to a small crowd congregated outside the Provincial Council Chambers. There was not a great deal of enthusiasm shown but the announcement produced some applause. The crowd evidently wanted more than the bare result, however, and commenced to call for a speech. "Hall" was shouted for about ten minutes-, but Mt J. D. Hall was not present. Mr C. D. Morris arrived, and made,a short speech, thanking the ratepayers who had elected, him. He said that, looking back on his previous term as a councillor, ho had no regrets. He had tried to do bis duty and would continue to do it. Mr T. Ganes, in returning thanke,

said that the retiring Council had done what it considered just and right and had conserved the ratepayers' interests. There had been a great deal of misunderstanding in regard to several things before the Council, but many schemes had been baulked by legislation or the lack of it. The councillors that had been in office had endeavoured to do their best. He thought that the Council would now proceed to carry on greater improvements than it had in the past.

Mr Sorensen also returned thanks, and said that needed improvements would be carried out in as far as the money w>as forthcoming. He would support the Waimakariri scheme for obtaining electrical power. Mr G. Hyde, who had been elected for St Albans, said that although he had not headed the poll he was very glad to be second. He would endeavour to his utmost to benefit the ward he represented and the city in general. The water-supply scheme had his sympathy, but it must provide for the whole of the city. He thought councillors had too much work thrust on them. (Voices: "What rot! Get your shoulder to- it.") He would favour the appointment of a board of works elected by the people and paid for its services. He did not approve of the payment of councillors.

Mr J. Thorn, who was enthusiastically cheered, said that as" one of the labour candidates who had had the courage of their opinions — (hear, hear) —and did all they could to infuse a little bit of interest into municipal affairs, he thanked these who had voted for him and his fellows. If they had been returned they would in a year J 6 time have put forward such a record as would have earned the appreciation and respect given them. They were g-cing to make another opportunity and would start a municipal election fight on Saturday evening m Cathedral Square. They did not take <a defeat as absolute and final, and were determined to win. He congratulated those who had beaten him, and hoped that they would institute and carry out the progressive platform for which he had been fighting. Three cheers were then given for Mr Thorn.

Mr D. G. Sullivan, who was greeted with applause, eaid that he thanked those who had voted for him. He was young and unknown, and considered he had done remarkably well, in view of the fact that three months ago he had been absolutely unknown in the electorate. The labour fight was just commencing, and would be carried on during the next two years. He considered that he had exerted a oondderable influence for good in contesting the election. (Hear, hear). Three cheers were given for Mr Sullivan, and the crowd then dispersed.