Presentation to Mr Speight.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4054, 24 December 1881, Page 2

Presentation to Mr Speight.

The friends of Mr Speight mustered at the Academy of Music last 'evening on the occasion of a presentation of a parse of sovereigns to him. , ,■■:■•: ,

Mr S>. R. McGregor was voted to the Chair, and in a few words referred to the. business of the meeting. The stage was occupied by the principal members of Mr Speight's late committee. Mr David Miller made the presented tion, and read the-following address:— We your. fellow citisens, beg your acceptance of the accompanying purse of sovereigns, which we have much pleasure in tendering you, as a slight token of the esteem and respect by which you are held by us. We have observed, with great interest and approval, the active part you have ever taken iv adropating and promoting , aqy measure calculated to advanpe the prosperity pf, this distriotr We trust you will-"see your;way to continue your exertions iv the name direction. Assuring you that your labors in the public cause are warmly appreciated by your fellow oitizens, and wishing yourself and Mrs Speight every happi*. ness.—We are, Ac." \

Mr Speight, who was received with applause, said if being presented with a purse of sovereigns was one. of the pleasures of a defeated candidate for Parliamentary honors, in what could success excel it. He felt very grateful for the kindness shown him during th* late contest. He preferred being a defeated man under some circumstances rather than a rioter by Questionable measures. He dfd not think the lupporjt given hfm was for himself, b,ut for $hp

principles he advocated. He referred to the fact that many well known public men had been defeated, and gave as a cause the apathy of the working classes. He referred to the telegram SBnt by Sir George Grey to Mr Sheehan, and supposed had he been successful, he would have had a similar one.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman and one to Mr Curtis for the use of the Academy of Music concluded the proceedings.