CANDIDATES’ SPEECHES

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22153, 27 September 1943, Page 4

CANDIDATES’ SPEECHES

CLEAN-FOUGHT CAMPAIGN When the four candidates for the Hamilton electorate addressed the large crowd from the Waikato Times verandah the scene was a lively one and the receptions given the candidates were varied. The successful candidate, Mr F. Findlay, was greeted with prolonged cheering, in the midst of which a few “boos” made themselves heard. Mr B’indlay explained that at that time the soldiers’ votes were not yet to hand, but he wished to thank the people who voted for him. “I am going to represent the whole of the people of Hamilton,” said Mr Findlay, “whether they voted for me or not, and also the people of New Zealand.” He especially thanked the men and women who had worked so splendidly for him over the past two months. In thanking his opponents for the clean manner in which the campaign was conducted. Mr Findlay said, “I hope I do as well for my party as Mr Barrell has done for his. Whenever I have approached him in Wellington to do something he has never failed to do it, and do it quickly.” Mr Barrell Cheered Mr Barrell was greeted with loud cheers. He congratulated Mr Findlay on his win, and also WarrantOfficer Allen and Mr Thompson, saying the, contest had been fought on very high grounds. He especially thanked those who had worked so hard for him. “One goes into such a contest as this to win,” said Mr Barrell, “and one must be prepared to lose. I hope I can show that I can accept a thrashing as well as a win. I have at all times tried to do my v to the constituency, and to the party.” There was renewed cheering as Mr Barrell shook hands with Mr Findlay. Warrant-Officer Allen’s Reception A large section of the crowd demonstrated its feelings in no uncertain manner when Warrant-Officer Allen began to speak. Among the shouts could be distinguished, “You put the Labour man out!” “If that is so, I polled on my merits,” the candidate replied. “I will be back in 1946, and I will put your candidate out then.” Then came the call, “You’re like Jack Lee, a twister!” Warrant-Officer Allen proceeded to defend his leader and ended with thanks to his supporters and congratulations to Mr Findlay. “Only the First Round”

Mr Thompson expressed thanks for the assistance given him. “I am at the bottom of the poll,” he said,

“but I am only sparring It is only tlje first round, and I am just looking for an opening.” Mr Thompson expressed admiration for the attitude of the Waikato Times during the campaign. The newspaper, he said, had been impartial in every sense of the word.

As the candidates shook hands with one another there was a renewed outburst of cheering, and the final quip as Mr Findlay was about to follow the others inside was, “What about the peppermints?” The new member obliged by throwing a handful of sweets to the lions.