LIBERAL LEADER

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30288, 14 November 1963, Page 28

LIBERAL LEADER

Fluoridation Opposed (NJZ. Press Association) INVERCARGILL, Nov. 13. “You can say we’re opposed to fluoridation of water supply,” said the Liberal Party leader and candidate tor Invercargill, Mr R. M. Hutton-Potts, at his campaign opening address, heard by about 80 persons last night at South School. The way in which things were being done today meant that some people who did not want fluoridated water for themselves or for their children, had to have it. *‘l am told that this is unnecessary because there is an alternative method in the use of tablets for children, ’’ he said. "Rightly or wrongly, this looks to me like compulsion for the sake of compulsion—and nothing else except to extend the powers of bureaucracy. We would do our best to see an end put to this sort of thing.” Liberals might win one to four seats at the General Election, he said. There was no question whatever the election outcome, of the party fading out of the picture. "Mr Taiboys, Minister of Agriculture, and National candidate for Wallace, has questioned my motives, but I am not going to indulge in personalities, and that’s the end of it.” “Not Crusted” Of the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) he said: "If he wants to conclude that we’re crusted Tories, then we can only conclude that he doesnt approve of private property ownership.” Of National and Labour he said: “Often, married couples become alike, and in such a way have National and Labour grown. If you go on voting for one or the other you go aa voting on the basis of your turn this time and your turn next.” The Liberals, said Mr Hutton-Potts, offered the only opportunity in 30 years to have a party that would act directly on the electors’ behalf. “If you want to vote for a party caucus that so often

meets in secret then you couldn't do better than vote for one or the other. “To Mr Taiboys, who was reported as saying a vote for Liberal was a vote wasted, 1 would like to say that if we in New Zealand are to vote only for Labour or National, we will be little better off than Russians, w-ho have only one party. "So far as broadcasting is concerned, we are little better off than Russians," he said, referring to Liberal attempts to obtain two halfhour radio broadcasts and two five-minute television spots for electioneering. “But,” he said, "I don’t know whether I’d sooner be on the air or have the grievance.'’ Nevertheless, Liberal would persevere.