BABIES AND POLITICS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19440, 28 October 1925, Page 7

BABIES AND POLITICS

A CANDIDATE’S MASCOTS TWINS ON THE PLATFORM “Although I believe New Zealand needs to carry a greater population,” said Mr W. E. Leadley, Government candidate for Avon, at a meeting on Monday evening of last week, “I believe that the best population is New Zealand-born boys and girls. During the war 17,000 of our best young mou lost their lives, and you can see the necessity of that slogan, ‘Keep New Zealand cradles full.’ I would like to show you a sample. May 11” Mr Leadley disappeared off the stage by a side door while the audience tittered. Loud applause broke out when the candidate reappeared with small boys (twins), one under either arm. The boys were bare-legged, and wore little blue jumpers. “Allow me,” said Mr Leadley, “to introduce my mascots during the coming election. The little fellow on your right is Bill, and the little chap on your left is Jock. And my wife tells mo that Jock takes after his father. He has the gift of the gab. If they please you, the best way you can please them is by sending their daddy to Parliament on November 4.” Then the candidate disappeared again, coming back proudly minus the twins, threw out his chest, took a drink of water, and proceeded to speak of the delights of the heiarth and home.