UNCEASING DIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23162, 7 October 1938, Page 13

UNCEASING DIN

SPEAKER UNDISMAYED

MR. C. R. DODD IN FORM

APPLAUSE AT CONCLUSION

Matching obstruction with determination Mr. C. R. Dodd, National candidate for Auckland Central, gave a fighting address against a continuous babble, which frequently developed into uproar, in the Manchester Unity Hall, Hobson Street, last night. An audience of 500 included many whose views obviously differed from those of the candidate and who took every opportunity of demonstrating the fact. An overflow audience of nearly 200 heard the speech through loud-speakers outside.

Inside the hall the din. was practically unceasing from the beginning, when cheers were given for "Mickey" Savage. It was only by frequent use of the loudspeaker system that Mr. Dodd was able to make himself heard. Several policemen were present, but apart from speaking to one or two of the more persistent interjectors they were not called upon to take action. Generous rounds of applause alternated with the shouting of the hecklers, showing that many of those present were fully appreciative of the candidate's remarks. The demonstration at the conclusion of his speech was spontaneous and prolonged, a vote of thanks being carried with acclamation. Alter the singing of the N ati on al Anthem cheers were given for Mr. Dodd, this tribute being repeated by a crowd which -waited outside to watch him leave the hall.

BRISK EXCHANGES ME. ENDEAN SCORES LIVELY PARNELL MEETING REMOVAL OF AN INTERJECTOR In spite of the presence of a noisy section 'in the audience and a considerable amount of heckling, leadmg to the forcible Removal by the police of a persistent interjector, Mr. W. P. Endean, M.P. for Parnell and the National candidate for Remuera, received a splendid hearing when he addressed a large gathering in St. Mary s Hall, Parnell, last night. There was an attendance of over 500 people, Mr. C. Webb presiding. The socialistic tendencies ot the , Labour Government were severely dealt with by the candidate, and his criticism at times was resented by a large number of Labour supporters present. The interjector who was subsequently ejected was warned by the police several times before the chairman called for his removal. ... ' . The measures contained in _ the National Party's policy were explained bv Mr. Endean, who said that only by the application of such a policy could the sane and progressive development of the Dominion for the Jbenefit of all sections of the people be achieved. Defending the National Party's attitude toward the social security scheme, Mr. Endean said that, while he would like to see as much expended in pensions as the finances of the country could stand, he was not prepared to stand by and see the financial system of the country brought to the ground. Throughout the address the speaker was loudly applauded and at the conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence Iwas declared carried, although this was followed by Labour cheers for Mr. Savage.

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM MR. MERRITT'S VIEWS LOCAL BODY AMALGAMATION The opinion that the only solution of the unemployment problem would be provided by the encouragement of Srivate enterprise was expressed by [r. Harry Merritt, National candidate for Auckland East, when addressing a meeting of electors in the Vauxhall Hall, Narrow Neck, last night. Mr. A. G. Quartlev presided over an attendance of about 200, a large number of whom listened to the candidate's address from outside the hall. An excellent hearing was accorded the speaker. Regarding the National Party's attitude toward returned soldiers, the candidate said that his party realised the tremendous services those men had rendered the country and it had their welfare at heart. Mr. Merritt dealt with the Act passed by the present Government to enforce local body amalgamation. That Act, he said, was only one example where the rights of the individual had been ruthlessTv overruled. The National Party realised the value of the work being done by local bodies and would not enforce amalgamation- except ,on the vote of the people. A motion of thanks to the speaker and confidence in him was carried.

RELIGIOUS ISSUES PROTESTANT ATTITUDE . NO ORGANISED EFFORTS [BT TELEGttAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday The fact that if sectarian influences were at work in connection with the general election the blame must be placed where it belongs is commented on in a statement which has been issued by the Dominion executive of the United Protestant Association" and the legislation committee o.f the) Grand Orange Lodge of New Zealand "Particular interest attaches to the statement made by the Hon. A. Hamilton oil religious issues in politics." reads the statement. "The statement is vague as to the immediate reason for its issuance, but the issue raised is not vague. In certain electorates we are aware that by reason of an organised block vote candidates have been selected Avho are not acceptable to large numbers of electors, and this will result in spoilt ballot papers. "There has not been any attempt by the Protestant organisations in any electorate to organise for the selection of candidates. The Protestant organisations issuing this statement, which direct those movements, have studiously refrained from action in view of the important issue before the electors democracy versus Socialism. If, therefore, sectarian influences are at work or sectarian issues raised, the blame must bo placed where it belongs. "On the other hand, it is an assumption which all history, especially democratic history, disproves, to allege—as Mr. Hamilton has done— that roHgiotis issues ought not to have any part in determining votes. The fact that so many people have written to him ori the subject is disproof of the assumption. Even in Germany, under Nazism, the proposition is denied by millions.

"The fact remains, however, that no religious or sectarian issue has been raised by Protestant organisations In connection jrith the coining general •lections." ' \