SMART ANSWERS FROM THE PLATFORM.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 February 1919, Page 5

SMART ANSWERS FROM THE PLATFORM.

One of tlie smartest replies ever made by a Parliamentary candidate was that credited to Lord Palmerston.

A heckler at one of his meetings had demanded of the statesman, “Will you, if returned, support such and such, a measure?”

‘'Pam’ 7 thought for a moment, then said, “I will”-—“Hurray!” broke in the heeklcr and his pack. “Not,” continued “Pam” —at which there were thunderous counter-cheers. “Tell you,” he concluded. And the general laughter made him prime favourite at once.

Another good one belongs to 'William Wilberforec. He was devoted to his sister, who helped him at every turn. He was chaired and she was cheered at the hustings. The cry went up: “ Wilbcrforce for ever-” “Miss Wilberforec for evorj ”

Then the great anti-slavery champion stopped ' forward and teaid: “Gentlemen, I am content; but I assure you my sister does not wish to be Miss Wilberforec for ever! ’ ” He was returned at the head of the poll.