RANGITIKEI ELECTORATE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 11

RANGITIKEI ELECTORATE

GARDEN PARTY FOR NATIONAL CANDIDATE. Fine weather conditions prevailed I for the garden party held at Beacons- 1 field in the interests of Mr. E. B. Gor-1 don, the National Political Party s ■ candidate for the Rangitikei electorate The purpose of the gathering was to enable Mr. Gordon to meet the electors in the Beaconsfield district, and the large attendance reflected the widespread interest in the party's campaign. Mr. H. D. Richardson, formally welcomed the guests and introduced Hon. J. G. Cobbe, member , lor Oroua. and Mr. Gordon. In his remarks Mr. Cobbe mentioned that the district would shortly beocme part of the Rangitikei Electorate, and he would be sorry to lose the connection he had so long held with the area which formed a sub- i stantial part of the Oroua Electorate, I He stated that Mr. Gordon, the party’s candidate for the Rangitikei seat, was I a young man and should make a first- 1 class member. Beaconsfield had always treated him well and he trusted the electors would .make a decision to give Mr. Gordon the same support. Mr. Gordon was a practical farmer possesed of a sound knowledge of the farming industry and in every way was better equipped than some of the bureal people who had been gathered together in Welington to tell farmers how to farm. He was a member of a very old Marton family and, in the opinion of Mr. Cobbe, would make an 1 ideal representative. The next eiec-i tion, continued Mr. Cobbe, would' probably be the most important in the history of New Zealand, and it was i for the electors to decide whether | they desired to retain their freedom or wheeher they wished State control I of their destinies. If electors did not support the National Party candidates they would most certainly come under State control. There was no doubt that there was a growing sense of insecurity among electors. Continuing, Mr. Cobbe went on to say he believed the womenfolk of the country would play a very important part in the next election, and he stressed the great value of organisation in the forthcoming fight lor the retention oi personal freedom as against State I control. In concluding, Mr. Cobbe j thanked the electors for their support , in the past and expressed the hope they would see to the return of Mr. Gordon. (Applause). Mr. Gordon stated that he was very pleased to be present, and wished to thank Mr. Richardson and his committee for organising the party. He went on to refer to the extent of the electorate which he hoped to represent, and stated that it was going to be a big job to get round, but he hoped, with the help of supporters of the party, to win the seat. It was not, however, a one-man job. It rested largely with the electors and supporters of the party whether he was succesful. He recognised that there were strong forces against him and the Ntaional Parly interest would require to organise and work ha; he was to win the seat. Mr. Gordon went on to say that it was a very line thin gto se the great interest the women were taking in the election and he welcomed the womens branches that had been formed at different points throughout the electorate. Steps were also being taken to form a junior organisation, and if he ■ould be of any help in this direction in the Beaconsfield district he would be happy to assist. At this juncture he did not inend to make a political speech but he would say that the netx election would be the most momentous in the history of the Dominion, and the circumstances called for the strongest fighting organisation to secure a victory for the National Party interests. There would be little left worth fighting for thereafter if the National Party was not successful, he said. (Applause). Mr. Cobbe moved a hearty vote oi hanks to the committee for organising the gathering, which was carried by acclamation.