Changes suit Mr Beetham

Press, 10 November 1986, Page 8

Changes suit Mr Beetham

PA Wanganui The former Democratic Party leader and member of Parliament for Rangitikei, Mr Bruce Beetham, says he is confident changes to the electoral boundaries will be to his advantage. Mr Beetham, Rangitikei candidate for the party, said yesterday he would have liked to have seen Marton returned into the Rangitikei seat area, “but other minor changes which have been made to the seat are actually to my advantage.” Marton, the one-time Social Credit stronghold cut out of Rangitikei, stays in neighbouring Waitotara.

Mr Beetham said he was not surprised that it had not been returned within the Rangitikei seat boundary “given the fact

that my party was not represented on the commission.” Mr Beetham said the boundary changes to the area include taking an area north of Marton and taking another bite in the Bunnythorpe area and putting it into Manawatu. “In fact, those changes will decrease the National majority down to about 375,” he said. ”So that will put the seat on a knife edge, going on the 1984 figures. “The changes will result in a Labour vote drop, giving me a right royal chance of regaining it. “Obviousy I would have been happier with Marton but with the other changes, in fact, I stand to get more of the vote next time ... which means I have a very good chance.”