NOT RETIRING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 66, 15 September 1943, Page 6

NOT RETIRING

MR. CROFT DENIES RUMOUR

Speaking to a crowded audience in the Hutt Central School last night, Mr. N. P. Croft, National candidate for the Hutt, referred to a "whispering campaign" that he intended to withdraw from the contest in favour of the Independent candidate. "There is not an atom of truth in the story," said Mr. Croft. "In fact, I have heard of nothing more ridiculous since the Roman emperor Caligula made his horse a priest and consul." Mr. Croft said that in the course of his campaign he had addressed thousands of people, who had listened to him not because he had inner secrets to divulge, or mystifying systems of finance to advocate, but because people wanted a change of Government and recognised that the National Party was the only alternative to Fraserism. Many residents were no doubt surprised at the little publicity that had been given to his addresses, said Mr. Croft, who explained that he was no publicity buccaneer. He, like other candidates of the National Party, was a working man, and was earning his living by hard toil while others had the leisure and opportunity to concentrate on the art of making money the easier way. The candidate spoke at length on the policy of the National Party, particularly in regard to housing. After eight years, he said, the Fraser Government had realised that, according to Mr. McKeen, the design of its houses was wrong. The National Party would build houses that would meet the needs of the people. Mr. Walters presided over the meeting, which at times was noisy, but good natured. A resolution of confidence in Mr. Croft was carried with acclamation.