Rowdy reception for P.M.

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33075, 16 November 1972, Page 18

Rowdy reception for P.M.

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 15. The Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) faced a persistently rowdy reception at the Auckland Town Hall this evening, but contrary to some predictions, the treatment meted out to him by interjectors never approached the violence of the reception given to his predecessor, Sir Keith Holyoake, there in 1969.

About 20 persons were ejected, sometimes forcibly by some of more than 100 uniformed police and detectives at the halL

A determined Mr Marshall gave his speech, against a barrage of interjections, but at times the noise forced him to pause.

Just 30 minutes after Mr Marshall began speaking, bedlam broke out when the chairman of the meeting, the Mayor of Auckland (Sir DoveMyer Robinson) ordered a young man to be put out of the hall. To a roar of disapproval, cheers, and shouts of "Sieg Heil,” the youth was removed by policemen. Immediately after, two other youths were also ejected. HELMETS FLY

Upstairs, three policemen grappled violently with an interjector, who refused to budge from his seat. Helmets flew as the policemen struggled and stumbled down steps with the interjector, who was finally carried bodily through a nearby exit Eight other persons in the same section of seats were ejected soon after, most of them going quietly, some chanting “Power to the people. Mr Marshall was accorded a standing ovation by the audience of 1300 after completing his 70-minute speech, but a solid body of about 100 mainly young persons stood up and walked out while a vote of thanks was being proposed. Far from being dismayed by the demonstrators, Mr Marshall said afterwards that he was “tremendously encouraged” by the crowd that turned out and the enthusiasm of National’s supporters.

“I was also pleased that while there was some disruption there did not appear to be any real bitterness or viciousness,” he said. “I think this could well be the turning point in the campaign." “QUALITY OF LIFE” The National Government was determined to keep New Zealand at the top of the countries which placed greatest emphasis on the quality of life, Mr Marshall said, in his speech. He repeated claims he had made in Hamilton on Tuesday evening that there was a good year in prospect for the economy if National was re-elected. “But,” he said, “the National Party is not concerned only with the economy or with the material things of life. We are deeply concerned about the quality

;of life, and with the opportunities for a good life which the people of this country can enjoy. “The National Government is determined to keep New Zealand at the top of the countries which place the greatest emphasis on the quality of life rather than the standard of living.” The Government had made progress in protecting the environment and in preventing pollution, and in housing. YOUNG PEOPLE Mr Marshall said National’s policies were those of human values. “We have young people in the National Party who are giving a lead in liberal thinking," he said. "There is a new Values Party which has come on the scene (Cheers from interjectors). “It has taken several of its policies from the National Party, although it goes too far to the Left," Mr Marshall said.

“But young people don’t need to support that kind of party when they can see the

policies for human values working under a National Government and being extended in the policies we are now putting before the people.” Mr Marshall made special reference in his speech to young people. National had, and would continue to have, he said, a deep interest in the welfare of those in their twenties and thirties. PAINT THROWN The crackle of exploding fireworks, boos, and the glare of television spotlights greeted Mr Marshall as he left the Town Hall. About 300 demonstrators and a large crowd of spectators were packed tightly about the main entrance. Amid smoke and fragments of exploding fireworks, Mr Marshall walked quickly to his car. Paint was thrown at a police inspector, and Detective Senior-Sergeant R. J. Stapleton was splashed in the eyes. He was treated at hospital.