MR. HARRIS AND “REDS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19438, 26 October 1925, Page 8

MR. HARRIS AND “REDS”

ANIMATED PROCEEDINGS INTERJECTOKS AT NOETHCOTE References by Mr A. Harris, the Government candidate for Waitemata, at his meeting in the Masonic Hali, Northcote, on Saturday evening, to the leaders and policy of the Labour Party drew forth numerous interjections from a section of the audience. The Mayor, Mr C. A. Deuxberry, who presided, intervened on several occasions when the proceedings became rather animated. The candidate said that liberalism was a spent force, and the old Liberal I*arty bad ceased to exist. There were two Liberals left in New Zealand—Sir Joseph Ward (who refused to call himself a Nationalist), and Mr Hall Skelton! (Laughter). The policy of the Nationalist Party was similar to that of Reform, though a great gulf existed regarding administration. The third party was extreme, revolutionary fend socialistic, and, though a small handful, was noisy. An Interjector: You’re frightened of them! Another Interjector: They’ve got the breeze up you! Mr Harris said it was not the strength of the Labour Party that was to be feared, but the fact that their opponents, representing the moderate thought of the country, were splitting their votes in the constituencies by supporting rival candidates. lie appealed to all people opposed to Labour policies to support Reform candidates rather than the Liberals, in order to keep out Labour. The Labour •and policy, said the candidate, meant pure and simple confiscation. (Dissent). Answering questions. Mr Harris said that New Zealand would be a good deal better if the extreme “Reds” were sent back to the country whence they came. An Elector: Does Mr Harris think he Labour Party so devoid of interligpnee as to provide in its platform for confiscation of houses? Mr Harris (emphatically): I do think so! A vote of confidence in Mr Harris and the Government was carried, after amendments had been defeated.