Mr Knapp should win seat—survey

Press, 12 July 1984, Page 3

Mr Knapp should win seat—survey

PA Auckland Social Credit’s deputy leader, Mr Garry Knapp, has solid 43 per cent support in East Coast Bays and should win the seat on Saturday, according to latest party canvassing. The Social Credit poll obtained by door knocking at almost every home in the electorate had been termed one of the best of its kind by a political scientist, Dr Barry Gustafson, the party said.

The Bays branch chairman, Mr Chris Hawkins, released the results yesterday, saying the 43 per cent was definite support and did not include about 15 per cent of people who said they were considering voting for

Mr Knapp and a further 4 to 5 per cent who did not know or would not say. Mr Knapp said, “Given that there are three other parties and one Independent, we are confident we have a clear lead.”

The party canvassing cards were examined by Dr Gustafson, of the University of Auckland political studies department. He had said that while the system used was not a scientific poll, it was a good way of identifying support. Mr Knapp said the result confirmed his belief that the national polls which showed lessened Social Credit support did not accurately reflect the position in East Coast Bays, a crucial marginal seat.