SIR R.STOUT'S DEFEAT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1674, 28 September 1887, Page 3

SIR R. STOUT'S DEFEAT.

Dunedik, September 27. Sir Bobert Stoat had the offer of at least five Beats today, but be adheres to hi* determination Dot to enter into public life again. Dr Fitcbett addressed to him, the following letter, and received the accompanying reply : Dunedin, September 27. Mr dear Sir Robert. — The pleasure and the worth of my own victory is nearly darkened by your defeat. I eald at the hnitinge that I would rather lose my own eleotion than ice yon lose yours. lhia morning I confored with some of my frincipal (pappotters, and suggested that ihonld offer to resign m your favor. They heartily con car red, feeling as 1 do that yonz ftbienoe from tbe House m the present jnnotion of effalrs is nothing Ibbb than 6 Colonial calamity. I am satisfied that the electors of Donedin Central will cordially appro^ c of my action, and that if yon accept my offer you will be returned without opposition. The country can well spare me, but cannot spare you. I have, etc., £ cr Frsd Fitchett. Hon Sir Robert Stoat. Danedin, 27th September. My Dear Piichett,— How can I adequately express tny thanks to you and the others who have kindly offered to resign m my favor. I can assure you I shall never forget it as long ac memory endures. I hare, however, reßolved Dot to accept any seat. You are youDg and jnst entering the political arena, and you mnat be earefnl of your future. If I can assist yon In any way, do not fail to ask me No, you must Hot think of resigning, I cannot aooept any- such offar, but the faot that SUoh was made shall be treasured by Tours, very truly, Robert Stoct. Antfrober of gentlemen assembled m the Chamber of Commerce m the afternoon, when a moticn wan carried that those present form themselves into a committee to proceed to get up a monster petition asking Sir E. Stout to reconsider his decision. Neisok, September 27. The great excitement whloh prevailed yesterday m respect to the election has given place to-day to a feeling of general regret and deprafsioo, consequent on the report that Sir B. Stont la not returned. Mr John Kerr, who was elected for Motneka by a substantial* majority, telegraphed today BBklng whether Sir Bobert would accept his seat, but be has received ii reply as follows :— " First oongratula tlon on yonr socoess ; second, many thanks to Nelson people and to yourself, bat I will not accept any otber Beat."