CELEBRATING SUCCESS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 13, 23 December 1911, Page 6

CELEBRATING SUCCESS.

MR. W. H. D. BELL ENTERTAINED. Mr. W. H. D. Boil, M.P., was entertained at a. smoke concert by his committee .and about 50 of his prominent supporters last night. Other members of Parliament present were Messrs. W. Fraser (Wakatipu), D. Buick (Palmerston), and C. K. Wilson (Taumarunui). Apologies" for' absence were tendered- on behalf of Messrs.."W; F. Massey (Leader of the Reform party), Payne (Labour member lor Grey Lynn), Buchanan (Wairarap'a), Pcarce (Patea.), and Hine (Stratford). Mr.-E.-E. Hammond, chairman' of Mr.' Bell's election committee, presided. Mr. R. Keeno submitted the toast of Parliament. After a great struggle, he said, tho 1 Reform party had- succeeded in returning a. good, number of Reform candidates. . The peoplo now had confidence in the party, and if an appeal . wero made to tho country the party'would bo returned by an overwhelming majority. Mr. W. Fraser was the first to respond to tho toast. He said he would not'introduce politics, and he replied as for all members of Parliament, of all shades of political opinion. Ho considered tho Parliament of New Zealand a credit to"' the country, and ho was satisfied that all members tried to do what seemed best to them for the good of the counry. . , Mr. D. Buick was received with hearty : cheers and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," sung heartily and lustily. Ho was ' pleased that the Reform party were in their present happy position in the Legislature. The Government could call Parliament together next 'week if they liked, and the Reform party would be with them. They could call Parliament together in six months if they liked, and it would be all tho worse for ilieni. AFhatever happened, tho Reform party, was ready.for it. _ Mr. C. I\. Wilson was "likewise given n cordial reception. He thought one of the duties of "the Reform party was to make roads for the backblocks settlers, and by so doing to develop the dormant resources of the King Country. Tho country was crying out for. reform, and now it-was going to get it, and a saner condition of things than had obta.ined for many years. He, was going to plead for tho backblocks, realising as 1;» did that the success nf the towns and cities depended upon, the success of tho far back settlers. ■Air. Peter Burko proposed the ttist of "Our Guest." Ho had not tho slightest doubt that Air. Bell would prove a worthy member; the traditions behind hijn pointed all in that direction. Mr. Bell was young, but. he had any ajnount of ability, and any amount of "go," and he had a great future before him. Air. Bell, when he rose to respond, was greeted with loud and long cheering, and asain tho song "For He's a Jolly Good Follow." He thanked his friends first of all for his cordial reception, and then proceeded to tell how the campaign hail been won, taking none of the credit to himself. He_ attributed his success to his _ good fortune in securing the services of such zealous committees, such an energetic secretary, and such a capable chairman. Especially he was grateful for the assistance given him.by ihe local ladies' committees, and the central canvassing committee of ladies. With such generous assistance as had been given him lie could scarce lmvo failed. Xext on the programme was a presentation made by Air. Hammond to the secretary of the Central Committee, Mr. J. W. -.Williams. He paid the highest tribute possible to Arr. Williams, as being a hard and capable worker," and lie .was Sure that anyone who secured the services of him in any capaeity would-fmd him "the concentrated essence of'loyalty." ■ • ' Air. Williams." in reply, assured everybody that their diffident young candidate was by no means "such a duffer" as lie. sought to make himself-out.. The committees had been oiie very happy familv, ! and they were ready to 'tackle the fight again as soon as if. came along.' An entertainment programme was provided by. Afessrs. D. «Kenn.v. . Newton.' Northcote, and Afcredith. who all did their share towards making the evyjing a jolly one.