EDEN SEAT

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1926, Page 4

EDEN SEAT

AUCKLAND, April 18. The recent election for Eden received some attention at the farewell to Sir James Barr at Mount Albert. Sir .James Gunson, the unsuceesful Government candidate addressed the meeting. “I may say that I was proud to carry the banner,” lie said. “1 am sorry that 1 proved rather a broken iced (voices: no), hut there were forces at work which 1 could not control. Sir James Barr, in replying, said ho was proud to find that so many members of his old comittees had come to him on the first night after a most exacting and trying election campaign. “I am sorry for two tilings,’’ he continued. “first, for myself that 1 am going away jafter being with you for over 11 years, secondly that we have lost the seat. Perhaps that is greater sorrow for both you and me. 1 fought for the seat four times in eleven years, and now if is gone.” A voice: AA'e will get it back.

Sir James: I feel very sorry that the people of Eden bid not the good sense to return a mail of the calibre of Sir Janies Gunson It is not for me to make further comment on the election, hut I hope tbit Sir James will, at the end of the present Parliament have another go at it. I am sure that on that occasion he will win hands down. (Applause). I appreciate as an old campaigner the splendid fight ho put up. 1 hope the organisation will be kept up so that lit may have an opportunity of offering his services again.