MR E. T. O’CONNOR Party with ‘will, know-how’

Press, 17 November 1981, Page 32

MR E. T. O’CONNOR Party with ‘will, know-how’

The Social Credit Candidate for West Coast. Mr Eamon O'Connor, is convinced'that Social .Credit is the only political party with the will and the "know-how" to get the West Coast economy back on the road to permanent recovery and to end the exploitation of the region's resources by outside interests. *

The main issues facing New Zealand are unemployment. inflation, law and order, and the need for reform of the out-dated monetary system, he says.

“I am deeply concerned about the drift of population from the South Island and the gradual loss of industry to the North." As Social Credit's South Island spokesman. Mr O'Connor says he is the only

political spokesman specifically appointed to look after South Island affairs. “In my own electorate I have -been concerned about the loss of - population be-cause-of a lack of employment opportunities. But I am very worried that West Coasters may be tempted to seize any short-term solutions for the fishing ports such as Greymouth, Westport. and Jackson Bay."

Reefton should be the centre of a self-sustaining beech chip, timber, and ethanol industry, he says. Further encouragement should _be given to farm development and settlement as the long-term future of the region will depend more on its agricultural products. Tourism will also play an important part in the' region's future and Social Credit would give more assistance to the industry. Under a Social Credit government the South Island would be restored to its rightful position in the New Zealand .economy, he says. Areas such as the West Coast would be given tiie chance to reach its full potential. Mr O'Connor, aged 58. is a dairv farmer at Waiman-

garoa. He is married, with nine, children, and with his wife. Kathleen, has taken an

active part in community • and sports affairs in the Buller District. A former director and chairman of the Buller Valley Dairy Company, he has been a member and chairman of the Buller Hospital Board and of the West Coast Hospital Board. His other interests include debating and public speak ing. He was national oratory champion in 1978. He is a member of Federated Farmers, the Buller Agricultural and Pastoral Association. and is a rugby referee. Educated at Nelson College. Mr O'Connor was a prominent athlete and rugby player as a young man. A Justice of the Peace Mr O'Connor received a Buller Civic Award for' outstanding community service in 1979.