“THE WILDEST EVER"

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8683, 17 March 1914, Page 5

“THE WILDEST EVER"

HOW Mil ATMORE’S SUPPORTERS BEAT THE “REFORMERS.” (Special to “The Times.”) NELSON, March 10. Tlie wildest political meeting ever held in Nelson was addressed by the Right Hon. the Prime 'Minister this evemrig in the Theatre Royal. The Mayor. Mr Lock, presided. ' The. Reform League had invited Mr Harry Atmore, M.P.. on to the platform, and when he walked on with Mr Massey and khe Mayor hearty cheers were given for “Harry Atmore,” These continued to .ho given at intervals. The mult onto was goodhumoured. hut put for fun. When tlie Prime Minister read a quotation from the squatters' organ of Hawke’s Day, in which he said Mr At-

more had made a statement couoenw ing him tho audience called outi “We want Atmore t° reply.” Mr At, more did not reply then, but the mo, ment a vote of confidence in mr Massey was moved Mr Atmore stood up amidst cheers and moved an amend, ment that all the words after “A vote of thanks to air Massey” be deleted, air Atmore said ;io Government was entitled to the confidence of the pop, pie of Nelson which had stopped their rail way. construction in ft year in, .which > the Premier boasted they had Epojp.t ; more on railway construction than ip any previous year. (Cheers.) “NO CONFIDENCE.’-’ air Atmore continued (amidst rip* pies of applause) that no Government was entitled to Nelson’s confidence when most of its Ministers hiid voted against the old age pensions, fetato Fire Insurance, and a host of other beneficent measures put through by tho Liberals. (Cheers from the- andience, and boo-hooing from “Re* formers” on the platform.) _ , A young lawyer then interjected a< remark to which Mr Atmore replied that “if the impertinent young legal cub would come to him in the morning he would treat him as ho deserved.” Loud cheers followed “lor Harry Atmore” (three times three), ,and soma Of the “Reformers” then attempted to prevent Mr Atmore frpm speaking, but he waved them aside and continued speaking to the amendment. Mr Massey then attempted to speaxbut Mr Atmore insisted that ho was in order and the Prime Minister must -not interrupt. (Cheers from the audience.) ... END OF.THE MEETING.. So it continued. Occasionally the audience, would rock with laughter as a pointed barb of sarcasm would hit, r some interjecting “Reformer.'” The audience was thoroughly pleased with Mr Atmore. The chairman finally, left tho chair, and the audience yelled out cheers for their member, who had been invited on to tho platform and then subjected to an unfair attack by tho Prime Minister. Tho “Reformers” attempted to put another chairman in, hut the audicnoo would have none other. Between cheers for “Harry Atmore' a solo call was introduced’ of “MW' voted against pld ago pensions?” to. which a chorus was given by the audience of “Massey I” This was occa* gionallv alternated with “Who stopped our railway?” Chorus, “Massey 1” And again, “Who will ho our member next year?” Chorus, “Harry Atmore!” “Who heat Massey to-night? . “Why. onr Harry.” When Mr Atmore reached the street ’ the crowd gave him three cheers and insisted on getting a speech from him. , He, spoke for about forty-five mm* utea, and every point made was greet* , ed with cheers. . Mr Atmore leaves for Wellington, to-morrow morning, .and on Thursday addresses a meeting in tho Wellington Tosn Hall.