HELD HIS OWN.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 260, 2 November 1928, Page 10

HELD HIS OWN.

MANY INTERRUPTIONS.

MR. FLETCHER AT GREY LYXX.

A rowdy section was present at the Empress Theatre, Grey Lynn, last night, the evident intention being to give the United party's candidate, Mr. J. S. Fletcher, a bad time. The interrupters did not have it all their own way, however, the candidate proving himself equal to the occasion. Although the noise at times drowned the speaker's voice and the chairman had to appeal now and then for fair play, the candidate made out an excellent case for his party, and the cheering from his supporters at the conclnsion of the meeting was enthusiastic and prolonged. Counter cheers for Labour were given, but a vote of thanks and confidence was carried by a large majority.

Tho candidate outlined the policy of the United party, explaining every plankHe paid a tribue to Sir Joseph Ward, who, ho said, stood head and shoulders above the other leaders. If the party were returned to power all , the promises given would be honoured. In criticising the Government's public works policy Mr. Fletcher pointed out that Arapuni had already cost over £2,000,000, the estimated cost being £1,000,000. In addition, the people were promised power from the undertaking early this year. Everybody knew what the position was to-day.

Mr. Fletcher answered questions for nearly an hour. Some of his replies were a direct challenge to what he termed the "Bolshevik section of Labour," and at times caused uproar. He made it clear, in reply to a_ totalisator question, that he was definitely opposed to increasing gambling facilities.