Creech makes maiden speech

Press, 21 July 1988, Page 6

Creech makes maiden speech

PA Wellington A traditional hush fell on Parliament’s debating chamber yesterday as the newest member of Parliament, Mr Wyatt Creech (Nat., Wairarapa) made his maiden speech.

Mr Creech was sworn in as member for Wairarapa on July 12, after a long battle through the courts — culminating in the hearing of an electoral petition by the High Court — unseated Labour’s Mr Reg Boorman.

Mr Boorman had held the seat by one vote but Mr Creech now has a majority of 34. The Court also found that Mr Boorman had committed a “corrupt practice” by exceeding his election advertising limit of $5OOO. Following long-standing custom, Mr Creech’s maiden speech was heard in a respectful silence and dwelt mainly on his electorate, but he also referred to his long road to victory. The petition had shown up several serious prob-

lems in the electoral system, he said. The amount candidates were allowed to spend on advertising should be updated; $5OOO was not enough.

Once an updated figure was established it should be obeyed, he said. The Minister for StateOwned Enterprises, Mr Prebble, claimed last week that many members had overspent their election advertising limit — including Mr Creech. But Mr Creech yesterday denied that, saying he had spent a total of just $4896, including GST. Mr Creech also said election vote-counting and checking systems must be improved. “In this day and age of modern technology, the final count at election time should be correct and should stand further scrutiny unchanged.”

The rules for enrolment should also be cleared up, by legislative change if necessary. Residence provisions should be clear cut and easily understood, he said.