CANDIDATES’ SPEECHES

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26516, 3 September 1951, Page 8

CANDIDATES’ SPEECHES

SUPPORTERS THANKED CAMPAIGN FREE FROM PERSONALITIES , Candidates’ speeches after the election in Christchurch were again chiefly confined to radio broadcasts, as street crowds seldom congregate since the newspapers ceased to display their result boards in Cathedral square. The candidates, in most cases, heard returns at their party headquarters or at home and then visited the broadcasting studio to thank their supporters. Some were interviewed by telephone. Nearly all remarked on the freedom of the campaign from personalities. "Apparently the same ideas that permeated the people of Australia permeated the people of New Zealand to-day,” said Mr R. M. Maefarlane, who again succeeded in Christchurch Central. The Labour Party was 100 per cent, behind the British Commonwealth. "I believe the tactics employed in this election may have serious repercussions," said Mr Maefarlane. When the country might be threatened, it was a pity to have the sense of unity in the interests of the Commonwealth disturbed by "branding as Communists” a large section of the community. Mr Maefarlane said he was disappointed that, on the figures available, there was not so much interest in the election as anticipated. The Labour Party, in opposition, would fight for those it represented. He noted with regret the death of a friend and supporter, Mr T. H. Butterfield. Although she realised that it would be no easy task to contest such a Labour stronghold as Christchurch Central—and against a sitting member who was Mayor of Christchurch—she was gratified that she had made a gain of about 900 votes for the National Party, said Mr? A. Schumacher. "It is a matter of satisfaction to the Government and to myself that we nave been given confirmation of our policy,” said Mr J. T. Watts, successful National candidate in St Albans. In St Albans it seemed that he had

been returned by about '.he same majority and he would seek to serve all interests. Experience in the election had made him realise that the life of a public man was very strenuous, said Mr J. B. Mora (Labour). “They deserve our grateful thanks," he said. The experience of this election would always be precious, though he was disappointed with the result Thanking constituents for returning him with such a large majority in Riccarton, Mr A. McLagan (Labour) said he would promote the interests of all groups. Naturally he had hoped for a result more favourable to Labour, but the people had spoken and his party would accept the decision and do its best in opposition, as it would had It been returned as the government Mr E. P. WiHs (National) made little comment beyond thanking his supporters. Lyttelton Seat The Lyttelton contest was extremely Interesting, said Mr H. R. Lake, the National candidate. “Win, lose or draw,” he would be very happy about the experience. Mr Lake spoke particularly to the people in the Peninsula bays and the Chatham Islands. The figures showed that support for the National Party had increased ednsiderably since 1949 and that the Government had secured the mandate it sought The Lyttelton result was still

in doubt; but, if elected, he would U happy to serve all sections of tin community, irrespective of their narw affiliations. J Both sides would await the result la Lyttelton with keen interest, said lb T. H. McCombs, the sitting montar He congratulated his opponent on ths vote secured. Mr McCombs exprssssg the hope that the new Govenuntat would work in the best interests of all the people. Always he had believed that right would win in the end and that appeared to be the case in this election, said Mr J. K. McAlpine, wh» again won in Selwyn. It was 1 pleasure for the Government to bs returned with an increased vote fa almost every electorate. “The election has gone against the Labour Party. We have suffered defeats in the past, but we are itffl loyal to the ideals we stand far,” said Mr J. G. Barclay (Labour). “The Government’s attempts te make the people afraid of Communism have apparently succeeded on thfa occasion,” said Mr J. Mathison, whs retained Avon for Labour. R appeared that there would be no change in Government and that hjs party would remain in Opposition; but Avon had shown its solidarity behind the Labour Party. “I am glad that the National Party succeeded on an issue which was vitsl so far as New Zealand was concernsd,' said Mr D. W. RusselL- He believsd that the National Party, having rcgaid to its great majority, would govern is the best interests of all and would also encourage a policy of friendsld]> with other parts of the British Empin and the United States which imgbt well be the means of ensuring pesos in the world for many yean to cons. “I have enjoyed the campaign,” Mr Russell said. “As far as rowdyism u concerned, I believe that its being expressed at an election meeting is lotting it come to the surface rather than driving it underground.” “Not so dusty,” was Misa M. B, Howard’s comment when she was informed yesterday that her majority to retaining the Sydenham seat for Labour was more than 4000. Miss Howard said she had not heard the results w Saturday evening. Asked to comment on the election generally. Miss Howard said: “The campaign of personal vilification and the reiteration of tylnf up the Communist Party with the Labour movement have defeated tn." Although he had been defeated, fcs National Government had been «• turned which was of first importance, said Mr A. H. Stott, Miss Howard’s opponent In Sydenham. This meant that law was preferred to lawlesnew. The Government’s courage should now lay a good foundation for industrial harmony and the problems of the cost of living and Inflation could nr tackled. Mr P. J: Alley (Labour) said he had been taught at school to take a besting, in the best way possible, and he had had a severe beating on Saturday. He could claim, however, to have reduced the National Party majority by 500 votes. Mr E. T. Tirikatane. still the member for Southern Maori, began bill address in the native tongue. "My district is large,” he said, mentioning Maori communities throughout the South Island from Collingwood to Stewart Island. ■■— I=s ' ■ ■