INVITATION MEETING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20111, 4 December 1939, Page 8

INVITATION MEETING

CONVENERS’ DEFENCE MR. NASH’S CRITICISM DENIAL OF SUGGESTIONS (per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The conveners of the meeting, which was the subject of the animadversions of the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, on Saturday, in a statement, say that Mr. Nash is apparently concerned that anyone should have the temerity to call a meeting of the people really concerned at the serious economic and political drift which is responsible for the doubt, apprehension and fear abroad in the community to-day. “Surely, this is a matter which concerns the people and one which they are free to consider in their own way, providing they strictly observe the laws of the country," the statement adds. “The stupid heckling and rowdyism, which has been so popular in recent years at public meetings, was the reason for admission by ticket. “By continuing the system thousands of people will attend our future, meetings and, while the committee appreciates the value of public meetings, the system seems to be the only one possible to secure to speakers a reasonable hearing. “Straight talking and not pin-prick-ing Was the order of the day for speakers at the meeting. An appeal from the chair for employers to retain their staffs, even at a sacrifice, received the endorsement of the meeting. This surely could not be considered an attempt to pour sand in the wheels and to embarrass the Government.”