Spoons, ties and mugs

Press, 30 August 1980, Page 2

Spoons, ties and mugs

Delegates to the Social Credit conference gave the same serious consideration to teaspoons, embossed ties, and engraved mugs as they did to policy remits and political philosophy. Assorted items, including pens, matchbooks, and badges, were the “eye-catching” part of the league’s information stand outside the main conference room.

The main purpose of the stand was to get branch delegates interested in the publicity material available from Auckland, said Mr K. Ward.

“It is publicity material rather than fund-raising,” he said* Delegates could hardly resist a calendar topped by a pin-up of the league’s leader, Mr B. C. Beetham, smiling all year round, head and shoulders only, and fully clothed. However, it seemed that glossy political pamphlets did not draw the crowds as much as crested teaspoons and “the- official Social Credit tie — in the fabric style and quality of Pierre Cardin”.

Matters sartorial were also given great consideration with the green and

yellow colours of the league apparent in both dress and accessories. Straw boaters popped up to encourage the league’s candidate for East Coast Bays (Mr G. Knapp) with “Vote Knapp” emblazoned across the front.

Bright green and yellow baseball caps prompted comments that the conference image was getting a bit American.

The only clash among the green plants and back-, drop in the conference room came from the delegates’ vot® cards — they were pink.