OUT-TALKED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 271, 15 November 1935, Page 16

OUT-TALKED.

MR. COATES GIVES IN.

TWO PERSISTENT HECKLERS.

WOMAN HAS LAST WORD

(By Telegraph.—O..n Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. Heckling at the meeting addressed by Mr. Coates last evening was conlineu almost entirely to the vocal efforts of two people—a man and his wife. They made up in persistency for what they lacked in humour, and had the satisfaction —if such it was—of causing the termination of the meeting before a number of questions had been dealt with. The two interjectors were Mr. and Mrs: Albert Spedding, of Tikipungi, and as the meeting progressed so did the fervour of their tongues." Kcvcral times the Mayor, who presided, intervened, and went so far on one occasion as to name Mr. Spedding. Finally Mr. Coates was confronted by Mrs. Spedding, who left her seat at the side of the hall and marched up to the front of the stage. Waving a sheaf of notes, she delivered a vocal broadside. Her remarks dealt vrith questions concerning Mr. Murdoch's dual position as chairman of the Dairy Control Board and a member of Parliament. Mr. Coates attempted several times to reply, but was subject to continual interruption from the pair, and in the end he was compelled to leave the matter iD abeyance. He retained his good humour and tolerance throughout the episode. . . Signs of Recovery. Mr. Coates went on to deal with the benefit of the exchange rate. "Does the farmer stick his extra 3d in the teapot?" he aeked. "Look at the fine new motor care which the farmers arc using They are the first signs of recovery. An Interjeetor: But not paid for. The hecklers were again active at question time, and after Mr. Spedding had asked Mr. Coatee about guaranteed prices Mrs. Spedding took up the cudgel. Speaking at a rapid rate she made her way to the front of the hall. "Why do you allow a man who is attached to a political party to act as a dual representative on the Dairy Board?" she asked. "He is sitting there to-night doing nothing to earn hift money. Three pounds a, day comes out of our pockets to keep him and he does not raise a finger to help us. He receives £645 a year drawn out of the blood of the. women and children in the dairy industry. He has got his car running round-the county for him, and he should have resigned from politics." ■Much of the tirade was lost.in the uproar. ' ■•"You , don't need Professor Belshaw to answer that," Mr. Spedding chipped in. • Mr. Coates: , The producers evidently recognise an efficient man. Mr. Spedding: Tney did not elect him. You did. Motion of Confidence. Mr. Dysart then moved, seconded by Mr. P. Gardner, that a vote of iianks be accorded Mr. Coates for his instructive address and renewed confidence be placed in the Government. Mr. Wodlen moved a no-confidence amendment, but his remarks were lost in the general enthusiasm, and the chairman declared the motion carried on the voices.