MRS SERGEL AT SPREYDON

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28445, 27 November 1957, Page 16

MRS SERGEL AT SPREYDON

Exchanges With Interjector Mrs Dccna V. Sergei (National, Riccarton) ousted an interjector from her meeting in the Domain Terrace Hall last evening. Although this is her first essay in politics and although (she said) these were the first steady interjections she had had in the campaign. Mrs Sergei was at no stage ruffled. About 40 were present. It all began when Mrs Sergei mentioned the National Party’s proposed £25 grant for children beginning post-primary education. “Why didn’t they think of that before?” asked a man at the back of the hall. "Did Labour?” asked Mrs Sergei.

"They brought it out because of the election,” said the interjector. "This is election year, isn’t it?” asked Mrs Sergei. “Since there is someone present interested in the Labour policy, I would like to remind him that parts of it are copied word for word from ours and other sections are very similar,” said Mrs Sergei.

“Will you compare them before the audience?” asked the interjector. "Certainly,” said Mrs Sergei. “I’ve spent more time on both than my friend at the back.” She then began to quote from a verbatim report of Mr Nash’s opening speech and emphasised that whereas Labour offered a flat £lOO rebate on income tax for one year ("and you have to earn about £1350 to qualify for the whole lot”), the National Party already gave a 25 per cent rebate. “How long for?” called the interjector. “For as long as we are in power, which will be a long time, you silly boy,” Mrs Sergei replied. Mrs Sergei resumed reading Mr Nash’s speech for comparison with National policy. “I think I’ll go and listen to Walter himself,” said the interjector, but he did not move. "Do,” said Mrs Sergei. "He needs support. Give him my love and best wishes. He’ll need them, too.”

The interjector left, and Mrs Sergei was applauded.