Country Political Meetings Bring Good Attendances

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 60, 7 November 1949, Page 5

Country Political Meetings Bring Good Attendances

Though there have so far been no reports of the “lively” political meetings that used to be the bright new spots of elections of not so many years ago, there is definitfe evidence on this occasion of a keen interest in the couptry districts of this electorate.

After a particularly good hearing at Kaingaroa recently, Mr W. Sullivan M.P. addressed a record crowd of 50 at the Waiotapu Forest camp on Thursday evening, folowed by a splendid meeting of 80 at Ngongotaha. At both places he was given an attentive hearing and votes of thanks. \

Mr Santon, too, has attracted good audiences in the smaller places and has always been given a courteous hearing. His last meeting near here was at Thornton on Thursday afternoon, and the next will be at Matata on Tuesday. Mr Sullivan briefly addressed Board Mills employees at lunchtime Friday, and a meeting at Ruatoki North on Saturday afternoon. His next meeting is at Awakeri on Tuesday. A feature of the campaign in this district so far is the interest known supporters of both parties are showing in their opponents’ views, meetings in all cases having both sections of opinion represented. That careful public consideration is being given to matters of policy this time is suggested by the quiet attention with which speakers are received and the intelligently-rea-soned questions that are sometimes asked.

So far there has been no heckling, and no evidence of political fanaticism at the meetings.

It seems that on this occasion the people realise that they are being asked to make a very important choice, and they are giving the matter their serious and sober consideration on the evidence the candidates can place before them.