COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9445, 15 May 1909, Page 4

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL.

TO MR A. E. REMINGTON, M.P.

MR HOTOHISON’S CHALLENGE.

Special Reporter —By Telegraph Mataroa, May 15.

The complimentary social to Mr Remington was largely attended &t Koeke last evening, settlers from most distant parts being present. extended a hearty welcome to the member and h: s wife. He assured Mr Remington that bis many services to the district were much appreciated by th® settlers. He congratulated him on his success at last election, although it was run against lum in a manner reflecting little credit on those who opposed him. They had a few enemies amongst them who were ico away by misrepresentation. They should have known batter after 'what Mr Komiugton had done for their interests. They were all aware that nasty things were said of him, but they were glad that renewed confidence had been shown. The banquet was given ia honour of his election. In the course of a lengthy speech, Mr Remington warmly thanked the settlers of Koake and Pohonru for their kindly welcome which was aa incentive to work more energetically for the district. Reference had been made to things said of him at last election. He was one of those who always believed that after the battle was over he was the representative of the whole of the electors. And he would look leniently upon statements made by those opposed to him because he.hoped they were not malicious and wilful, and he would endeavour to forget all about them. He hoped now that they had had time for calm reflection they would wish to forgot them themselves. Such should be the case. Should it be neoesary for him to deal m Parliament with auy attack made upon him he would do so. Voluntary information had been placed at his disposal by those who had been prominent iu attacking him. This would fill the pages of Hansard and ha ventured to sav make such interesting reading that at least twenty thousand copies would be wanted between Taranaki and Manawafcu once it was placed on record. There would be soma who would wish it had n?ver appeared. He was not going to do anything that he thought lowering the dignity of Parliament, but if necessary, • and on behalf of those who had expressed renewed confidence in him. he would give such aa answer as would meet the case, and no doubt lead those who had made a prominent attack to be made sorry and wiser. Dealing with paragraphs in the press stating that ha refused to accept Mr Hutchison’s challenge to resign' his seat, his answer was that Mr Hutchison knew when he threw out that challenge that it was impossible for them to arrogate to themselves the whole right to contest the Rangitikei or any other seat The field was open to all and he knew it. Why did he ignore Mr R, W. Smith? Had he no right to be consulted? Continuing Mr Remington admitted that in the heat of the moment he was rash enough to make a challenge, but it was pointed out to him by numerous correspondents that be had no right to make that challenge, and that the electors having elected him with full knowledge of all that could be said against him, as it was said, he valued their decision and considered the opinions and suggestions of his bitter opponents unworthy of consideration. He clearly announced bis intention of supporting the freehold provided the land was restricted to an area of not more than 10C0 acres, and that fifty per cent, advance was paid on existing leaseholds.