Mayor’s claim disputed

Press, 16 April 1980, Page 6

Mayor’s claim disputed

It was '- not correct for the Mayor 'of>’Christchurch (Mr Hamish Hay),to say that’ he was noh-politi-cal, said the Labour Party’s regional secretary (Mr Brian Arps) yesterday.Mr Arps said' Mr Hay had made that statement ‘ , at the annual meeting of a political partv (the .. Citizens’ Association) that had just selected him as its ’candidate. Mr Hay had ' admitted National Party membership, said Mr Arps, “and in so doing, he has said publicly that he believes in the Right-wing ideology that the National Party has at the centre of its beliefs.” Mr Arps-said Mr Hay was!

“undeniably wedded to the political philosophy that is bringing New Zealand; to economic ruin, and creating disharmony in our people.” Mr Hay and the Citizdns* Association were afraid to admit their political affiliation because they knew a Christchurch majority would-reject it. just as they had rejected the National 'Party in .1 the previous General Election. : “For that reason, they hope to sneak back -into political office disguised as Independents.” Mr Arps said. "The Labour Party is proud to stand its candidates openly for the City Council. We do not claim to be someI thing we are not.”