ROWDY MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 229, 28 September 1938, Page 15

ROWDY MEETING.

MINISTER HECKLED.

MR. LANGSTONE'S ADDRESS.

TB AWAMT7TTT TOWN W*T.T r

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

TE AWAMUTU, this day.

The politician who addresses a public meeting and is favoured with a radio broadcast is in for a lively time, judging by the hearing—or lack of itaccorded the Hon. Frank Langstone, Minister of Lands and Native Affairs, at Te Awamutu last night.

The Town Hall was filled with electors, some of whom were from many miles away, and right from the outset there was noise in the body of the hall. Supporters of the Minister sought to drown out the voice of opponents, and frequently the Minister had to pause until the noise subsided.

He took it all in good part, and in the course of his address dealt with practically all the major questions of politics, the misdeeds of the former Government and its supporters, and the achievements of Labour since it attained office. Very little new ground was broken, Mr. Langstone at times repeating almost word for word statements he had made three years ago. At the close a motion was proposed by Mr. A. J. Swayne, of Cambridge, according hearty thanks to Mr. Langstone for hie address, but expressing no confidence in the Labour Government.

This raised a storm of noise, and when it abated Mr. Black, also of Cambridge, moved an amendment of tbanks to the speaker and absolute confidence in the Government. The amendment was put eventually, and declared carried by the chairman, Mr. G. Spinley, Mayor of Te Awamutu.

Disappointment was expressed loudly at the announcement that questions and answers would not be broadcast; but the noise soon abated, and then came a shoal of questions on all sorts of subjects, the Minister answering some at length, and others very briefly. The meeting closed with cheers for the Prime Minister. It was the noisiest political meeting held in Te Awamutu for years.