Socred attack on campaigns

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34009, 25 November 1975, Page 20

Socred attack on campaigns

The leader of the Social Credit Political League (Mr Bruce Beetham) tonight continued his attack on citizens groups supporting the leaders of the two main political parties. Speaking at a public elecrion meeting in Auckland. Mr Beetham again lashed out at the Citizens and Clergy for Rowling groups, and criti;ised the newlv announced ’•Rugbv men for Rob” movement. and the “Telegrams for Muldoon” campaign The Social Credit leader was addressing about 250 people in the 520-seat Auckland Town Hall concert ehamber Referring to the week-end

,announcement that the Citiizens for Rowling group was to disband, having completed its job. Mr Beetham said the real reason the group had stopped was that its advertisjing “may have disqualified” the Prime Minister (Mr Rowling) from contesting his Tasman electorate. On the Rugby Men for Robi ;group, he said: “I would suggest that sport should not interfere with politics either.”’ Mr Beetham said he was particularlv concerned with the Clergy for Rowling campaign. which he said was by' implication supporting the practice of commercial usury — thus flouting a basic Christian tenet. Mr Beetham accused the news media of helping the two mam parties to play personalities. rather than producing sound and positive policies. Announcing the league’s regional development policy for the Auckland metropolitan area, Mr Beetham said the league would provide financial encouragement for up to 25 per cent of houses in; each area of Auckland to be raised — allowing rental flats to be built underneath. This would not be compulsory but would, if -success* ful. prevent Auckland's urban sprawl. On Pacific Islanders, he said Social Credit would encourage the build-up of industry in the Islands, to create more jobs there. But' the open-door policy for some Islanders would not be changed.