MR HOLLAND IN WELLINGTON

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26514, 31 August 1951, Page 8

MR HOLLAND IN WELLINGTON

WILD APPLAUSE BY BIG AUDIENCE

TUMULTUOUS RECEPTION AT FINAL MEETING , (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 30. The Prime Minister (Mr Holland) addressed the final meeting of his election campaign to-night, when he spoke to a large and enthusiastic audience that filled the 2100 seats in the St. James’ Theatre, Wellington. Mr Holland reviewed the issues facing the electors, and defended the Government’s administration in a vigorous speech lasting for two hours. The Prime Minister had the support and goodwill of the great majority oi the audience, whose applause completely submerged frequent attempts to interrupt Mr Holland with hostile interjections. Most of the interjections came from a small but youthful and vociferous group in the upper circle. Mr Holland spoke largely, on the lines of his previous election addresses. His references to the firm stand the Government had taken were greeted with applauding shouts from the great majority of the audience. Just before the start of the meeting, streamers were thrown from the upper circle to the floor of the theatre and th 6 platform, until they formed a huge suspended network. The appearance on the platform of National Party candidates for Wellington seats was greeted with roars of applause. When these subsided, there were cries of, “We want Sid.” Enthusiastic Welcome There was tumultuous applause for Mr Holland as he was escorted to the platform by the Mayor (Mr R. L. Macalister). The applause was repeated as the candidates were introduced to the audience by the Mayor. In the initial enthusiasm, boos and hostile interjections were completely drowned. Mr Holland, who was greeted with more sustained applause, musical honours, and cheers when he rose to begin his speech, thanked the audience for the warmth of its welcome.

The Maori people would have realised by now that the fears expressed to them before the last election, that only the Labour Party could look after their interests, were entirely unfounded, Mr Holland said. He commended to the Maori people the National Party candidates for the four Maori electorates.

Discussing the recent industrial crisis, Mr Holland said that when the Government Was returned it would bring down a law making it permanently illegal to picket. The penalty for such unlawful action would be sufficient to stop anyone from trying it again.

The people had to decide whether the price that was paid was too great —whether they wanted a Government that took a firm stand when the country was held to ransom, or an administration that kept company with industrial wreckers, said Mr Holland. Did the public want the old troublemakers back in their places “No,” shouted the great majority of the audience in unison. "I am sure the electors will say the same on Saturday,”, said Mr Holland.