MR VINCENT WARD’S SUCCESS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1930, Page 7

MR VINCENT WARD’S SUCCESS

REM ARK ABLE SCENES

EFFORTS OF GOVERNMENT APPRECIATED. /

INVERCARGILL, August 14

Remarkable scenes of enthusiasm were witnessed when the large gathering in Dec Street became aware of tlie

result of tlie poll. There was a rush to the Grand Hotel, where Mr Vincent Waaal had stayed during his campaign, and insistent calls were made lor the newly-elected member for Invercargill. Accompanied by Mrs Ward, Mrs B. B. Wood and Mr A. H. Mackrell, the chairman of his election committee, Mr Ward stepped out on the hotel balcony. The appearance of the party was the signal lor un uproarious outburst of enthusiasm, and several minutes elapsed before .the successful candidate was afforded the opportunity of addressing rue. crowd.

“I desire to thank the people- of Invercargill for the great honour they have conferred on me to-day in electing me as the member for Invercargill,” began Mr Ward. “I fully realise that it is your votes that have placed me in this position. I desire to thank the people for the warm welcome that you have extended to my wife and myself, and for the courtesy that has been shown to us on all sides. (Cheers.) I am proud to represent this city, which is the civic and commercial centre of the great province of Southland, and with the growth of the province will become a still more imoorl.ant centre. AIMS TO HELP PROVINCE.

“Southland is - the most solid part of the Dominion, and my efforts in Parliament will be directed to endeavouring to enhance the importance, of Southland. T sincerely hope that I shall prove myself a worthy representative.

“All my efforts and whatever ability I possess will be directed with this object in view,” Mr Ward continued, “and I will do my best so that you will be proud of your member My only regret is that my father is not here to-day, as I know how proud he would bo that I should to-night be representing the seat lie held.” If you’re as good as he was you’ll do us,” a staunch Liberal supporter shouted. Continuing, Mr Ward declared that he would endeavour to emulate his father'as best lie could, always remembering the late statesman’s kindly consideration to all, no matter in what walk of life. “Never did I hear him say anything unkind about anyone,”, emphasised the new member. (Loud cheers;) “If he had anything to say he said it to their faces. I realise frit responsibilities are great, hut I shall faithfully and conscientiously do ffiy duty to Invercargill, Southland and New Zealand, It has given me great pleasure to shake hands with Mr Ha-r----gest, my opponent in this fight, and I feel -sure that any assistance he can give in my position as member he will gladly render, and I hope we will both live to fight another day. (Cheers). POLICY ENDORSED.

“By your votes to-day you have shown New Zealand that you appreciate the Government’s efforts to make our Dominion a happy and prosperous country for all. (Cheers). Now that the election is over, I ask all sections of the community to forget any party differences and let us all strive together for the benefit of Southland. Jn this way we will’ attain success, and I know I do not ask this in vain. Thank you, one and all.” Cheers were then renewed, Mins Ward and Mrs Wood being also singled cut for personal recognition by the enthusiastic crowd. A happy personal touch occurred when Mr Ward kissed his wife, the crowd spontaneously showing its approval .and breaking into “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

The gathering seemed reluctant to disperse, and when Mr and Mrs Ward shortly afterwards ) appeared at the hotel entrance they were again besieged by their supporters. Before he could realise it, Mr Ward was lifted shoulder high b,v In's committeemen and borne ill a triumphant procession through the thronged thoroughfare to the Post Office Square rotunda. Tt was apparent on all sides that the victory was a most popular one. Prior to Mr Waird’s arrival, Mr Hargest, the Reform candidate, addressed the crowd, and said lie had enjoyed the contest, which had been a. clean-spirited one. He would be the first to congratulate the new member on his victory, and in conclusion expn.ssed his appreciation to all those electors who had so loyally supported his candidature. OPPONENT’S CONGRATULATIONS. Upon Mr Ward taking his stand on the rotunda, Mr Hargest immediately stepped forward and smilingly shook hands amid general manifestations of approval. The defeated candidate then congratulated ATt Ward and called for cheers for the now member, graceful acts which excited admiration even from his most vigorous opponents.

Mr Ward again briefly expressed his thanks for the honour conferred upon him, and said that lie was sure that nartv questions would he fo v gotton and that all would work for the common we*d. He was sure he emphasised that lie could always rely on Mr Hargest’s support in the future whenever t'l'o nuestion of the advancement of Southland was in issue. In triumph Mr and Mrs Ward were escorted hack to their hotel, but the crowd again emphatically demanded a sneecli. The earlier enthusiastic reception was then re-enacted, whereupon the crowd quietly dispersed.