MR HISLOP’S MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22712, 26 October 1935, Page 24

MR HISLOP’S MEETING

TO THE EDITOR. „ Sir, —As one who had the privilege of attending Mr T. C. A. Hislop’s meeting at the Concert Chamber this evening, I was also a spectator of one of the most shocking exhibitions of bad taste it has ever been my misfortune to witness. The ringleader of the discourteous Labour element which created temporary disturbances appeared to be Councilloi W. W. Batchelor, who, while noted for hia incurable inability to restrain his feelings, might at least have extended reasonable courtesy as a city councillor to one who, after all, is Mayor of the City of Wellington. I take no active part in politics, but do take a pride in the standard of civic courtesy. Councillor Batchelor’s action was not creditable to the position he Occupies.— l am, etc., Ashamed. Dunedin, October 24. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —To myself as one of the audience at the meeting addressed by Mr Hislop, it seemed that this gentleman’s principal claim to power and glory lay in the allegation that his figures had been misreported and that he bad a grudge against

the Otago Daily Times. Naturally, his figures were a model of accuracy and must be taken for granted, but as he refused to answer questions, perhaps one of his henchwomen may explain whether the present Government raised the exchange by 25 per cent, or to that percentage by the addition of 15 per cent, to the already existing 10 per cent, ruling at the time of taking office. If the lower figure be correct, then a whole host of the Democrat Party’s calculations of the Government’s shocking administration will have to be amended or withdrawn, A mere mistake of 10 per cent, is nothing to a party that would borrow millions to reduce taxation. Mr Hislop must have been heartened by the great reception given him by Labour supporters, who regard him as a heaven-sent gift to their cause. . , , , To my way of thinking, it seemed bad form to criticise another party for spending advertising money with the daily papers when he enters into “an arrangement ” with the local papers to publish extended reports of his speech. Blind men can see what this really means Mr Hislop’s criticisms of the Government’s wrong-doings sounded all very well, but that he would act similarly seems a sound and logical summing up.—-I am, etc., Anti-Borer. [lt is, as Mr Hislop said, not customary for leaders of parties to answer questions at meetings Outside their own electorates. —Ed. O.D.T.]