He fought five general elections as Premier. He was never beaten, and although his opponents looked for the turn of the tide at each fresh contest, the people always declared that they wanted him. The results of the contests are shown by the following figures, giving the numbers of members returned to support him and the Opposition:—
| Year. | Government. | Opposition. | Independent. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1893 | 52 | 16 | 2 |
| 1896 | 41 | 26 | 3 |
| 1899 | 53 | 16 | 1 |
| 1902 | 48 | 19 | 3 |
| 1905 | 56 | 16 | 4 |
“I find it impossible to express my grateful appreciation of this last evidence of the confidence of the electors,” he said, when the result was communicated to him in 1905. “I have trusted the people always, and I have found them true to themselves, to principle, to progress, and to humanity. The result of the polls humbles me. I feel that a great additional responsibility has been cast upon my shoulders, and I can only hope that I may prove worthy of the trust that has been reposed in me. With the assistance of those who have been sent to Parliament with me, I shall strive to obtain results that may contribute towards the happiness and prosperity of the people and the advancement of the colony.”
His rapid journeys up and down New Zealand attracted much attention and admiration from his friends and followers. The diary of his movements at the close of his last session, in October, 1905, gives the following record of his remarkable activity:—
October 31—Left for the south to open a new section of the Cheviot Railway.
November 2—Returned to Wellington.
November 2—Left for Palmerston North.
November 3—Returned to Wellington.
November 7—Left for Auckland, and spoke on November 8th at Paeroa, and subsequently opened a railway to Waihi, and a section of the Helensville line. He also addressed meetings at various places in the Auckland district, and on his way south spoke at New Plymouth, Wanganui, Greytown and Martinborough.
November 26—Returned to Wellington by special train.
