AFTER THE BATTLE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 87, 3 December 1931, Page 5

AFTER THE BATTLE

THE FINAL, SPEECHES CANDIDATES ADDRESS CROWD AT CONCLUSION OF POLL "TO WHOM THE VICTORY?" As soon as the final results were announced from the central returning office at the Courthouse, the four Rotorua candidates addressed a large crowd which had gathered in front of the board beside the "Morning Post" office. Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P., Coalition candidate, who was greeted with applause thanked his friends and members of his committee for the hard work which they had given in forwarding his campaign. "Before I say anything about ha'ving won," said Mr. Clinkard, "I want to be sure that I have won. Eight votes ie too close to say that I have got there yet." (Laughter). "Anyway, if my friend Mr. Moncur here beats me, we will shake hands just as we are going to do now. I have done my best to beat him, and he has done his best to beat me but that will not stop us being friends. I have exSperienced the losing game three or four tirnes in my life, and I will know that I have done my best if I go down" (applause). Exceptional Vote Mr. Moncur also received an ovation. He stated that the vote recorded for Labour was exceptional in Rotorua and a record for the electorate. In a number of places at which he had spoken, the Labour policy had never previously been expounded. It was certain that the people of New Zealand were coming to a sense of their responsibilities, and when the young people of the country started to take an interest in politics, New Zealand would come into its own. He was satisfied that if the Labour policy was expounded by competent men, the Labour Party would soon be in power. At present the party was misrepresented in a most vindictive fashion by the metropolitan newspapers, which never gave Labour a chance. This did not apply to the local Press which had given him a very fair hearing and to which he desired to pay tribute. The metropolitan newspapers represented the voiees of vested interests, and vested interests and the people had nothing in common. Come Again. If he Avas beaten he would come again. The Labour Party did not wish to force its views upon the people and it had no quarrel with any who did not think as it did. It believed that its policy was right and would triumph in the end. In conclusion Mr Moncur expressed his warm appreciation of the efforts of his committee and friends throughout the eonstituency, who had done so mueh in assisting his campaign. "Three Years Hard." "I would like to congratulate the winner of this contest whoever he may be," said the Independent .Reform candidate Mr. E. Earle Vaile amidst laughter. I want to thank all those who have worked so hard for my return, and for their sakes I am sorry that I have not reached a better position. As far as my own feelings are concerned I have been saved thee years hard. (Laughter). I have a considerable property to look after and by your kind vote you have given me the opportunity to attend to it. My duty to the public has been ;performed by standing on this occasion and unlike my younger brother, Mr. Moncur here, I think I may he excused from again asking you to vote for me. Licking Like a Man "When one has been beaten in a square fight, the only thing to do is to take one's licking like a man and stand up to it," said the Country Party candidate Mr. D. R. P. Campbell: "I thank all those who have worked so hard in my interests and like Mr. Vaile I can only express my regret that for their sakes I did not occupy a better position. Anyway, we have put up the best fight we know how, and in the best manner we know how. (Applause). "I hope that in the years to come the aims and objects of our party will become more and more widely known throughout the country. I also would like to extend my congratulations to the winner of this ; contest whoever it may prove to be, ■ and to wish the people of Rotorua every prosperity." (Applause).