THE STEVENS BANQUET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 453, 20 March 1909, Page 3

THE STEVENS BANQUET.

In proposing the toast of the health of Mr John Stevens, exM.P., at the Marton banquet last Tuesday night, the Premier said that he had been in the public arena for 28 years, and at the end of that time held the respect of people of all parties. No one had shown himself better able to take a defeat or had shown more Spartan bravery under affliction. During the time he was in Parliament he had made friends on all sides of the House. He had not left an enemy behind him in the political world. They wished him better health than today and they knew that that splendid spirit which had upheld him would contiuuee to do so. The Premier also presented to Mr Stevens an illuminated address from the electors of Mauawatu.

Mr Stevens, in reply, said that though defeated, neither he nor his supporters were dismayed. There were always two sides to every question, and opposition was the means of bringing to light the sterling worth of those who sacrificed their time and lives to what they regarded as the best interests of the country. He hoped the same support would be accorded Mr Newman as was accorded him, until the next election came round when he hoped they would rally round the Libeial candidate and bring the Mauawatu back to the Liberal fold. He had been asked to do various things since the election, but he would not come between their present member and the Government. He would, if asked, do anything to help Mr Newman, but he would strictly observe the etiquette which should be observed towards the member for the district.—Applause.

Mr Newman welcomed Mr Stevens’ offer of co-operation. They had been good friends, and remained so. He did not believe Mr Stevens made one enemy during the election, and could vouch for the esteem in which he was held everywhere. Mr Newman described Mr Stevens as having been the finest judge of stock in the southern half of the North Island, a splendid horseman, aud a fine soldier, worthy to be associated with that splendid old soldier, Colonel Gorton, with whom he had formed the firm of Stevens and Gorton.