ENTHUSIASM FOR MR HOLLAND

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22519, 29 September 1938, Page 15

ENTHUSIASM FOR MR HOLLAND

INTERJECTORS UNDER CONTROL

MUSICAL HONOURS AT END OF MEETING

The St. James’ theatre was crowded to capacity last evening, when Mr S. G. Holland, the National candidate for Christchurch North, delivered an attack on the Government’s social security scheme. Mr Holland was often interrupted by interjections, but at no time did they prevent him going on with his address. Several policemen were present, and more than once, when an interjector became at all persistent, he was warned by a constable to keep quiet. Mr Holland appeared to have the great majority of his audience solidly with him, and often there were concerted cries of “Put him out” for any one who disagreed too frequently with what he was saying. When Mr Holland first entered the hall he was very warmly applauded. There were a few preliminary interjections, one man crying out; “How are the Nazis,” and another, “The Fascists.” The chairman, Mr G. M. Hall, emphasised the importance of the subject to be discussed, and Mr Holland had a very enthusiastic hearing, except for interjections from a small minority. There was some laughter when he produced an easel and board to hold graphs and tables. He explained that he preferred methods of optical demonstration and verbal explanation. His tables were followed attentively.

A Newspaper Apology

Some reference was made by Mr Holland to mention in Christchurch by the Hon. R. Semple of the apology published by the “Dominion” newspaper, over Mr Holland’s criticism of the appointment of Mr F. R. Picot tc the position of Director of Internal Marketing. MT Semple had said that Mr Holland’s statement caused the newspaper to pay Mr Picot £350 and apologise. But, Mr Holland said, that was not correct. He read the statement published ip the “Doipipipp," in which that newspaper published an apology and took the blame for a condensed report. “I made that explanation of the position in the House, and Mr Semple knew the facts, because he was there. Yet he comes here and libels a man like that." There wgs a great deal of interjection for a few seconds, drowned by applause for Mr Holland, and this was the case whenever any interruption was attempted. Mr Holland was also supported by the audience when he complained of criticism by the Prime Minister of bis attitude and of other Op position members of the Social Security Committee. . „ A big section of the audience applauded references to increases in social services under the present Government, but this turned into applause for Mr Holland when he scored off an interjector by asserting that from what he had seen of some of the interjectors the money spent on mental hospitals had not been enough. For the rest of the meeting the tenor of the audience’s behaviour was much the same. A small section applauded any mention of the Hon. Walter Nash. After a good few questions, the meeting ended on an enthusiastic note for Mr Holland. Mr W. Machin, who moved a vote of thanks, was hard put to it for a while to make himself heard. He paid a high tribute to Mr Holland, and the vote was carried by loud acclamation and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” At the suggestion of the chairman, Mr Hail, the whole audience stood and sang the National Anthem,

MR I. J. WILSON AT SUMNER

The Sumner Town Hall was filled with 350 electors last evening, when Mr I. J. Wilson, National candidate for Lyttelton, gave 9 campaign address. The Mayor (Mr J. E. Tait) presided. Mr Wilson was given an attentive hearing. and although good-humoured Interjections were frequent, he received prolonged, applause at the end of hit speech. A, motion of confidence in the National Party, in its leader (the Hon. Adam Hamilton), and in Mr Wilson, was carried with loud applause. The meeting ended with the singing of “Foi He’s a Jolly Good Fellow." MR H. E, HERRING AT RAKAIA Mr H. E. Herring, Labour candidate for Mid-Canterbury, was given an attentive hearing from an audience of about 800 on Tuesday evening, when he spoke in the Rakaia Town Hall Mr S. Gardiner presided. Questions about the housing scheme and social security were answered by Mr Herring. A hearty vote of thanks, moved by Mr F, McAnulty, was car* ried with acclamation