CANDIDATES CLASH

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 511, 14 November 1928, Page 11

CANDIDATES CLASH

FOUR SPEAK FROM SAME CORNER MR. BURTON’S STAYING POWER After compromising with one fellow candidate who wished to speak from the place he had chosen last night, Mr. O. E. Burton, Christian Socialist candidate for Eden, decided to stand on his rights. Thereafter, though three other speakers contested the same crossroads with him, he carried on, and by 11.30 p.m., when he finished, was left undisputed occupier of the corner. Mr. Burton was advertised to speak at the corner of Valley Road and Dominion Road at 7.30. He started on time, but five minutes later Mr. A. J. Stallworthy, the United candidate for the electorate, appeared on the scene. Mr. Burton claimed that as he had advertised the place and had arrived there first he had a right to stay there. However, Mr. Stallworthy and his own seconds conferred and it was agreed that Mr. Stallworthy should be allowed ten minutes on the pack-ing-case. Finally Mr. Burton stepped off. the candidates shook hands, and Mr. Stallworthy took his place. During the next fours hours no less than three other speakers arrived. They all spoke from the opposite corner, but Mr. Burton went on his calm, unhurried way and before he finished he had the field to himself. A fairly large and attentive audience followed his argument throughout, and at intervals the crowd swelled to quite respectable proportions. There was no “heckling,” but a good many questions—nearly all honest and to the point—were asked and answered by the candidate. One questioner demanded of the candidate a cure for unemployment. While the answer was being given he persisted in interjecting further questions. “Now, sir,” said Mr. Burton, “are you going to let me answer the question or not? These interjections are very silly ...” “Yes, I am a bit silly.” admitted the interjector frankly. There was a laugh from the audience and no more interjection's. Toward the end of the meeting one of the audience mentioned the name of a candidate in a neighbouring electorate. There were several supporters of the candidate present, and for a few minutes it looked as if a free fight was about to develop. However, the trouble was smoothed over and Mr. Burton went on with his address. At the end of his speech the audience, which was still present in considerable numbers in spite of the fact that it was getting on for midnight, cheered and clapped Mr. Buiton.