FAIR HEARINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23160, 5 October 1938, Page 17

FAIR HEARINGS

ENFORCING ORDER OFFENDERS TO BE CHARGED STATEMENT BY MR. CUMMINGS [BY TELEGRAPH—FBESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Tuesday The determination of the Police Department to ensure a fair hearing for candidates at election meetings was emphasised by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. D. J. Cummings, in an interview to-day. Referring to the arrest of an interjector at a meeting addressed by Mr. D. Pool, National candidate for Eden, in Auckland on Monday night, Mr. Cummings said this man would appear in the Magistrate's Court on Thursday. Three men whose names had been taken at Auckland meetings and two from Otahuliu would also be charged. As previously intimated, offenders would have an opportunity of giving their names and addresses and summonses would be issued as quickly as possible. Mr. Cummings said he had Been informed that a man had appeared before the magistrate at New Plymouth today following an election meeting and had been convicted and discharged. "From the police reports that have reached me in connection with some of the recent disturbances, it appears that the degree of disturbance has not been as great as would-appear from some of the newspaper reports," said Mr. Cummings. "However, prosecutions are -being instituted and we are determined to put down any attempt which is being made to prevent a speaker from receiving a fair hearing." Mr, Cummings pointed out that police officers had received special instruction as to the conduct of election meetings and were therefore capable of judging the lengths to which interjectors should be allowed to go. The instruction took the form of lectures given on lines laid down by himself. Counting out, for instance, was a form of disturbance which should be stopped immediately. " "

STATE IN BUSINESS BEER AND WOMEN'S HATS , A CANDIDATE'S FEARS "This may well be the most important election ever fought in the history of New Zealand," said, Mr. J. W. Kealy, National candidate for Auckland West, when speaking at the second meeting of his campaign at All Saints' Schoolroom last night. He said the electors had to make a serious choice between the Labour Party, which stood for State Socialism, and the National Party,- which was concerned with the future welfare of all sections of the community. It was therefore essential that every , candidate should come forward with a straight-out statement of what he really stood for. The building was packed to the doors, the attendance being estimated at almost 600. There was again a strong Labour element present, and, while there were a few noisy periods, during which the candidate found difficulty in making himself heard, even with the aid of the loud-speaker equipment, he received an exceptionally good hearing. Mr. A. M.' Salmon l presided. A police sergeant and five constables were in the room during most of the address, but it was not necessary to call on their services;.:- -

The Labour Party's objective of the socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange, said the candidate, meant State ownership of farms, transport, shops, credit and currency —in short, complete State monopoly in all things. His statement that retail shops would, come under the domination of the State was greeted with derision and one interjector, asked whether "beershops" would also be taken over.

"Yes, I believe they would alsoitnke over the beershops," replied the candidate. "Now there are at least six brands to choose from, but under State .Socialism there would be only ones brand and that might not be too good."

The candidate caused some merriment by asking the ladies how they would like to have State millinery shops, with possibly only one style in hats. After answering a number of questions, Mr. Kealy was given a vote of thanks, which was carried with enthusiastic applause. This was followed by vociferous cheers for Mr. Savage.

CHEERS BT AUDIENCE MR. CLOSE AT MILFORD Electors of Waitemata gave Mr. J. E. Close, National candidate, a good reception last night, when he spoke at the Picturedrome, Milford. Interjections were of a good-humoured nature. The theatre was crowded. People stood round the walls and an overflow crowd listened to the address through loudspeakers. The total attendance was about 650, and Mr. J. D. Vernon presided. Mr. Close roundly condemned the Government's socialistic policy and emphasised where it was leading the Dominion. Unemployment, he contended, had not been solved. The solution was the removal of the shackles from private enterprise, and the absorption of the unemployed into industry. The candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence and was cheere^.

StTOOESSPijL TOUR MR. H. F. GUY'S MEETINGS The National candidate for Bay of Islands, Mr. H.' F. Guy, continues to address large meetings. At Awanui he was given a splendid hearing and a unanimous vote of thanks/and confidence. About 50 electors were present to hear Mr. Guy's address at Mangamuka Bridge, and about 300 at Okaihau gavj? him an excellent reception. There has been an absence of heckling at Mr. Guy's meetings.