Last Words in Parnell

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 965, 7 May 1930, Page 8

Last Words in Parnell

RALLIES OF RIVAL PARTIES

‘‘l have fought this campaign in a thoroughly British fashion/’ declared Mr. W. P. Endean, Reform candidate for the Parnell by-election, at the final meeting, held in the Remuera Library last evening. “I cannot help it if Mr. R. A. Wright becomes engaged in a dog-fight with the United Cabinet Ministers. He is one of the old school and I cannot help his attitude. Personally, 1 have dons my best to keep away from personalities” Radio played its part in the final meeting last evening. A microphone on the table enabled those unable to gain admission to listen to the speeches of Mr. Endean’s supporters through loud-speaking apparatus. Seven speakers assisted the candidate, who faced the electors for only ten minutes before passing on to address another meeting. These included six of Reform’s 2S members in Parliament, tho Rt. lion. J. G. Coates (Rodney), Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata), Mr. C. E. Macmillan (Tauranga), Mr. A. M. Samuel (Thames), Mr. A. W. Hall (Hauraki) and Mr. R. A. Wright (Wellington). The remaining speaker was Mr. H. R. Jenkins, . the former member for Parnell. Also on the platform were Mrs. Coates, the Hon. E. W Alison. M.L.C.. and Mr. J. S. Hickson, formerly M.P. for Parnell under Reform.

“Pawnbrokers V* Only one question was propounded to Mr. Endean. If he were elected, would he favour tho granting of a licence to King Country residents? A Voice: A pawnbroker’s licence? Mr. Endean: If you are not careful there will be a big pawnbroker’s sign hanging over New Zealand. He then declared himself in favour of honouring the present treaty with the Maoris.

Cries of “Sit down” and “Turncoat” greeted Mr. H. R. Jenkins when he rose to speak, and it was through a barrage of interjections from the rear of the hall that lie made his opening remarks.

“Poor Country Mouse” Thus Mr. C. E. Macmillan, whoso burly figure is the delight of carte. < - ists, in opening—“I am only a pour country mouse.” ‘T have been accused of being a Glaxo baby,” he told electors. “Maori women have even mistaken me for a Plunket nurse.”

Later: ‘‘l am speaking for the small farmer ”

“Like the plot of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera” is how Mr. A. AI. Samuel described the United Party’s programme.

OH, so Hopeless! “Our opponents have not the ghost of u shadow of a possible hope.”—Mr. R. A. Wright. Parnell had been a Reform stronghold for 17 years, Mr. Wright said. In 1928 electors had been led astray by another party’s promises, which had seemed like a beautiful dream. It was now being recognised to bo a nightmare. An impassioned appeal by Mr.

Wrigrht was interrupted by a crashing sound at tho rear of the platform where the chair bearing Mr. Macmillan had given way under the strain.

Mr. Coates was the main speaker of the evening. For half an hour h«» extolled the virtues of Reform in an aggressive manner before the microphone.

“A Few Squibs” “Last evening Mr. Stallworthy went into liis own constituency and rired a few squibs—not even a decent shot.” —Mr. Wright at Kohimarama. Mr. Wright emphatically refuted the accusation by Mr. Stall worthy of having ridiculed the latter’s religious convictions. He had never done so, Mr. Wright declared, recognising that a man was entitled to liis own views on religious subjects. Neither did lie ridicule any man who conscientiously held no religious convictions.

Happy Campaign “The campaign throughout has been one of the happiest and most interesting in which 1 have been engaged,” said Mr. Blood worth at St. Mark’s Hall. "I feel that the other candidates will agree with ine there. There have been no incidents to which exception could be taken, and I am sure that whatever the results are, there will bo no personal regrets.” Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, addressed the gathering, and also Mr. H. G. Sullivan, Labour member for Avon, who confined his address mostly to the remarks which had been passed recently by the Hon. Hownie Stewart, .the use of New Zealand coal and development of manufacturing industries.

Three Ministers In Support Supporting Mr. Alan Donald on the platform at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, were all three Cabinet Ministers—tlio Hon. E. A. Ransom, who supported tho candidate with a fighting speech, tho Hon. A. .T. Stallworthy, who said nothing, and the Hon. J. B. Donald, who was also silent. Mr. G. C. Munns, M.P., sat next to the chairman, Mr. J. Adams, and Mrs. Donald sat on her husband’s right. “During this campaign the Cabinet Ministers who have spoken to you have disclosed facts which a propaganda Pijess has not put before the electors of the country.”—One of Mr. Donald’s early remarks.

A mention of unemployment.—“ The United Government has done its best just as the Governments of other countries have done their best. Unfortunately. for the moment, that best is not sufficient. The question is not a party one; it is an economic one.” —Mr. Donald.

Mr. Donald on Labour’s socialisation proposals.—“ These foreign-bred ideas. They go against British feelings and ideals . . . Russia with her bloodshed and turmoil and misery.” A Voice: She is better off than under the Tsar.” A Woman's Voice: I wish I were there.”

Soldier settlement.” “That terrible catastrophe.”—Mr. Donald.