IN THE SOUTH

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 275, 26 November 1935, Page 6

IN THE SOUTH

RIVAL CANDIDATES MEET SOME BRIGHT REPARTEE Although Mr E. Howard, Labour candidate for Christchurch South, was given an attentive hearing when he addressed electors in the open air at Church Square, Addington, on Friday night, his remarks were punctuated with numerous flashes of bright repartee. At question time, a Communist annoyed the crowd of over a hundred. Mr Howard arrived before- Mr T. Milliken, the National candidate, had finished his address on the same “pitch.” When Howard walked across and the candidates shook hands. Three cheers were given for Mr Howard. “They’re for Teddy, not for you,” cried a man, as Mr Milliken looked gratified. Mr Howard was discussing Mr Leslie Fefeaux, governor of the Reserve Bank, and told his audience that Air Fefeaux wore nice cloths. “Does he have a dress suit?” asked a member of the audience.

“Yes and a tall hat, too,” replied Mr Howard, amidst laughter. He added that it was one of his worries

as to how he was going to wear a tall hat when he became a minister, (laughter). All' Howard dealt at length with

the activities of the Ward Government and the steps which led up to the formation of the Coalition.

“Why not tell us about the legislation you propose?” asked a man who was evidently a Government sup-

porter. “I’ll tell you later,” replied Mr Howard.

The Bird Had Flown

Later on, Mr Howard said he would now endeavour to tell hia questioner something, but was told that the man had gone. “I thought he was a little gone at first,” laughed the candidate. At question time, Air Howard was saying that Labour would do away with many of the boards appointed by the Government and was asked: “What about the Prisons Board?” “I don’t know much about that, he replied, amidst laughter. “But I did serve a little time once for speaking in the street. Now I am a J.P. and a highly respected citizen.” At this stage, a Communist sup-

porter opened a series of questions, and exchanged crosstalk with Mr Howard. The crowd voiced its disapproval. The man continued his questioning after a spell, and the

crowd became angry, telling him to - shut up and that he was talking rubbish. Mr Howard said that Labour was in favour <of giving support to the B radio stations and allowing them to ’ have sponsored programmes. The candidate was accorded a vote - of thanks and confidence.