TAURANGA ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2561, 29 March 1923, Page 2

TAURANGA ELECTION.

REFORM CANDIDATE RETURNED. MAJORITY OF 1,102 FOR MR MacMILLAN. SIR JOSEPH WARD WILL CONTINUE CAMPAIGN. Tauranga, Last Night. The final figures of the Tauranga by-eleetion, which were announced at about 7.40 p.m., were as follows: MacMillan 4250 Ward 3134 COUNTRY VOTES CARRY THE DAY.

MOST ARDENT REFORMERS SURPRISED.

Tauranga, Last Night

The big majority for Mr MacMillan has surprised even his own strongest supporters. Everyone thought the result would be close. Owing to the intense interest in the election and to the fine weather, the polling was heavy. It was generally thought the small places would give majorities for MacMillan, but it was considered the towns would counteract this. The towns, however, sadly disappointed the Liberals, and allowed the country places to carry the day for MacMillan. A feature of the election is that at Tauranga, where Mr MacMillan is best; known, he polled a minority. In speaking to the crowd after the final announcement, Mr MacMillan thanked the electors for returning him and said that he felt on particularly good terms with Sir Joseph Ward, who had fought the fight in a clean and sporting spirit. Sir Joseph Ward thanked those who had voted for him and said he bore no ill-feeling against those who had voted against him. He congratulated Mr MacMillan (Voices: “Old Rill did it for him!”). Sir Joseph: “I trust Mr MacMillan will be successful in carrying on the work of a member of Parliament.” (Voices: “No chance'”). Sir Joseph said he took his defeat in a sporting spirit and remarked that he could have won a seat at the general election, but for various reasons, he decided not to stand. He was so satisfied about the questions on which he had been speaking that, even though beaten, he intended to go through the country addressing meetings in order to try to make other men think, for he felt sure the country was on the edge of a dangerous position. He was well aware of the manner in which the election had been conducted, but he would make no comment. He thanked those who had voted for him and those who had worked for him, and the Liberals who had spoken for him. He had no regrets, and predicted that much of what he had advocated would lie adopted. He stated the tour of the electorate, though strenuous, had greatly benefited him in health. Mr At more said the time was not far distant when New Zealand would call its foremost financier back to Parliament.

Cheers were given for the candidates and others connected with the campaign.

SPEECHES AT TE AROHA PRIME MINISTER AND MR. W'ILFORD.

Te Aroha, March 28,

It should be emphasised that at Te Aroha to-night the Leader of the Opposition was the first legislator to congratulate the Prime Minister, with sincerity and. cordiality, upon what Mir Wilford aptly characterised “a great victory.” The Prime Minister was greeted with rousing cheers as he stood forward to address the people. He expressed at the outset his deep gratitude for the splendid support accorded to the Government candidate in the different centres of a great electorate. lie also desired from the bottom of his heart to return thanks on behalf of the candidate who he was confident would make a good member of Parliament well able to look after all the requirements of his constituents and also to contribute effectively to any great national question.

“As far as the Government is concerned,” continued Mr Massey, “1 believe that after what has taken place to-day it will be possible to avoid anything in the way of a general election.” He thought it was right to accept the decision as an indication that the Government could go on with the majority it had at present “Things are

looking brighter, as you can understand, both for the Government and the country, and I have to thank the electors of Tauranga for it.

There has been a certain amount of feeling in the campaign. That was to be expected. I know perfectly will that such an important election cannot be decided without it. I have had many victories, but this one is the most glorious of them all.” (Cheers). The Leader of the Opposition was also received with great enthusiasm and congratulated the Prime Minister and the lief oral candidate.