WISH TO ADDRESS WATERSIDERS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29363, 16 November 1960, Page 18

WISH TO ADDRESS WATERSIDERS

Mr Hay Unable To Arrange Meeting

Mr J. B. Hay, National candidate for Lyttelton, has not been able to address the Lyttelton watersiders, in spite of his efforts to arrange a meeting. Mr Hay told a small election meeting at Mount Pleasant last evening that earlier that day he had addressed a meeting at the Addington railway workshops, where he received very different treatment from that which he had received from the watersiders. “I was told that the Addington workshops was a tough place to go to, but at least they give you a fair hearing, and give you a vote of thanks at the end,” 'said Mr Hay. “It was most heartening—different from the hearing I might have got over the hill.”

Mr Hay told the meeting that he had telephoned the secretary of the Watersiders’ Union and asked if he could address the men. "He said I would have to write in, officially, and the union would consider it,” Mr Hay said. “I wrote, but heard nothing more for a fortnight. Then I telephoned again, and was told they would be considering it at a stop-work meeting that day. and they would let me know. “I have not beard from them." said Mr Hay. “I have explained to them that I would very likely be their next member.” said Mr Hay, “but it still didn’t ring a bell.” (Laughter.)

Mr Hay carried on with a criticism of the Labour Party and its methods of conducting the last election compaign. and the state it had got the country into. “If wc cared to make irresponsible bids as was done in 1957, we could get this country in exactly the same position again.” he said. On industry. Mr Hay said National would give reasonable protection to industries starting up. and on education, said National would endeavour to get more teachers and reduce the size of classes.

Of delinquency, Mr Hay said it was time it was tackled and tackled quickly—“we are going to tackle it. and tackle it with vigour.” he said.

Hard-core delinquents who wouldn’t “knuckle down” would set “a little bit of compulsory military training," military or naval—"naval. I think, would be the answer,” said Mr Hay. “Get them on a ship at sea. and you’ll very quickly get control of them way ” e sea ' sickness Soes a long

At the end of his meeting Mr Hay answered questions from the 26 persons present. Asked by a woman for his views on compulsory Jury service for women, he replied: “Quite frankly I would want time to think it over and maKe a few inquiries on it. There may be a catch.”