ECHO OF ELECTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1922, Page 4

ECHO OF ELECTION.

MR. S. G. SMITH’S LAST SPEECH. EXPLANATION TO SUPPORTERS. A large number of Liberal supporter* gathered at New Plymouth last night, when the member for Taranaki, Mr. S. G. tSmith, took the opportunity of explaining certain phases of the recent election. Mr. W. Healy’ presided. In opening, Mr. Smith said he bore no malice nor entertained any hard feelings against anyone who, by, fair or unfair means, ‘had attacked him during the campaign. Regarding his remarks on election night, he stated that it had been his intention merely to' return thanks to his supporters and await results. He had, however, been subjected to insulting remarks from a few in the crowd. Perhaps it would have .been better to have passed unnoticed such remarks as well as the insults offered hit family. His reference to secret institutions was directed solely to the P.P.A. and no other. He* was aware that every effort had been made to secure his defeat. Mr. Smith believed that the outstanding leeson learned from the recent campaign was that the people, did hot want to see the introduction of sectarianism into politics. The election had been hard fought, and he wa* feeling the strain more than a great number imagined. Turning to the distribution of circulars, Mr. Smith complained that the statements were in most instances grossly misrepresented. The use of the words “For Rome” and “For Protestantism” on one circular undoubtedly caused many electors to think that these were the issues on which members voted. This was not so. Another cir-

cular, containing quotations from a publication known as The Tablet, would have had indiscriminating people believe that he was associated with the remarks contained thereon. In conclusion, he paid a warm tribute to the help and advice of Mr. Healy and the energetic support of his committee.