MR. HOLLAND'S TOUR

Chronicle (Levin), 22 November 1946, Page 5

MR. HOLLAND'S TOUR

-Press Association

GREAT WELCOME IN WELLINGTON

Bv Telegraph—

WELLINGTON, Nov. 21. An entliusiastic uudience estimated at close on 2500, packed the Wellington Town Hall tonight to hear an election address by .Mr. B. G. Holland. Unable to gain admission hundreds went liome but between 400 and 500 stood outside in the street, tlie speech being relayed to them th rough loud speakers.

It was the concluding North Island meeting of Mr. Holland 's campaign. Long before the meeting was due tw start every seat in the liuge hall was occupied. The walls were lined with [ieo]ile standing and otJiers sat on the steps leading to the platform. The clapping and cheering crowd.rose to their feet as Mr. Holland 6'ntered ac coinpanied by the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. Appletou, who pvesided. Hundreds of streamers were throvvn from the gal lerv as they walked the lengtli of the luill. The cheering and stamping reaclied a crescendo as Mr. Holland mounted the stage. The crovvd sang "Eor He's a Jplly Good Eellow" and followed with clieers. ' Apart from an occasional interjection Mr. Holland 's two-hour speech was in ferrupted only by applause. A vote of thanks to Nl r. Ilollaiid and confLdence in the Xational Party was carried entluisi astically. Mr. Holland said he would take the opportunity next Monday, when speak ing on the radio, of rep lying to allega tions made against him about the sysrem of eniploviiient in business operated liy his brother and hiuiself. He was prepared to entrust his personal affairs to investigation by any court of justice and abide by tlie result. Mr. Ajipleton presented ilr, Holland with an inkstaml made from a fine piece of kauri gum more than 500 years old It was inseribed: "Mr. S. G. Holland, Leader of the New Zealand National Party, from his grateful Wellington supporters, 1046",