REPLY TO STATEMENT BY MR NASH

Southland Times, Issue 23991, 5 December 1939, Page 8

REPLY TO STATEMENT BY MR NASH

ADMISSION BY TICKET TO MEETING

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 4.

The conveners of the meeting which was the subject of the Hon. W. Nash’s animadversions on Saturday in a statement say: “Mr Nash is apparently concerned that anyone should have the temerity to call a meeting of the people really concerned at the serious economic and political drift which is responsible for the doubt, apprehension and fear abroad in the community today. Surely this is a matter which concerns the people and one which they are free to consider in their own way, providing they strictly observe the laws of the country.,

“The stupid heckling and rowdyism which have been so popular in recent years at public meetings was the reason for admission by ticket. By continuing the system thousands of people will attend our future meetings and while the committee appreciates the value of public meetings the ticket system seems to be the only one possible to secure to the speakers a reasonable hearing. Straight talking and not pinpricking was the order of the day for the speakers at the meeting. “An appeal from the chair for employers to retain their staffs, even at a sacrifice, received the endorsement of the meeting. This surely could not be considered an attempt to pour sand in the wheels and embarrass the Government.”