“A RIGGED MEETING.”

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20421, 24 September 1938, Page 3

“A RIGGED MEETING.”

NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE

LABOUR CANDIDATE ANNOYED. INCIDENT AT WIIANGAREI. [By Telegraph.—Press Association] WHANG AREI, Sept. 24. “I know this meeting has been rigged. Mr. Chairman, I refuse to stay in this meeting if you are going to side with the person asking questions.” The speaker was Mr. J. G. Barclay. Labour candidate for Marsden, the chairman was Mr. J. A. S. Mae Kay. and the meeting was being held at Ruatangata on Thursday night.

Air. Barclay then packed his papers, after which lie sat down and went on: “Now I will answer your question if tho chairman does not take sides with either party.”

Mr. Barclay’s remarks came at question time following his address to a crowded hall. He was received with mixed feelings, there being obviously a strong anti-Labour section present.

At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of “absolutely no confidence in» the Labour Party” was carried on tho motion of Air. AV. G. Birdling. chairman of the Ruatangata branch of the National Party, and seconded by Air. S. A. Bi*own. The motion was carried by a two to one majority, about 60 per cent, of those present voting.