PATIENCE ASKED FOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 266, 9 November 1928, Page 12

PATIENCE ASKED FOR.

MR. HEWITT'S "VISITORS."

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE CARRIED.

"I will ask those ladies and gentlemen who have given the candidate such a patient hearing to continue their patience until the visiting questioners have been disposed of. There are four on this side and two on that who are bursting to have their say." Thus Mr. Percy McElwain, in presiding last evening over a gathering of about 250 people, which was addressed by Mr. W. C. Hewitt in St. Benedict's Hall.

Replying to questions, the candidate said that in the event of a no-confidence motion being moved by the Labour party he would vote against the present Government.

While he was not sympathetic with those who refused to fight for their country, the candidate thought it might be a graceful act at this stage to return the privilege of the franchise to those who had declined service in the last war.

"I am a member of the Anglican Church and I know that the Archbishop and many of the clergy are anxious that the Bible should be introduced into our schools," said Mr. Hewitt, "but I have always been opposed to it and will continue to support the system of free, secular and compulsory education."

"Are you in favour of the right of recall?" asked a questioner.

"As far as the United party is concerned," replied the candidate, "such a provision is unnecessary."

Although an amendment was moved to a motion of thanks and confidence, the motion was declared carried amidst applause.