Baths and Liberalism

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1928, Page 8

Baths and Liberalism

HECKLER IS A LITTLE MIXED. (Auckland Star). Speaking from a motor-car in the Civic Square at Auckland one day last week, Mr A. Hall Skelton delivered-an address to Auckland ratepayers on the proposed baths at Point Chevalier. He urged the rejection of the loan proposals for the erection of the baths and criticsed the City Council’s administration and the action of the Rev. Lionel Fletcher in speaking on the subject from his pulpit. “However, I am quite satisfied that the loan will not be carried,” said Mir •Sjkieltton l . “The people of Auckland are waking up to the inefficiency of the council, and the loan, if carried, would ultimately increase the rates.” Towards the close of Mr Skelton’s speech a happy gentleman roused himself from, a semi-trance, shook off the supporting arm of the youth who was ho'ding him up, and said: “Sir Joseph Ward’s the man. I’m a Liberal to my finger tips.” The crowd laughed as the inebriated one, addressing Mr Skelton, asked why he was not in Parliament. - Mr Skelton went on speaking, tout the heckler yelled out, “What have you don e for A u ckl and?” “Well, with a face like yours. you’Tl never do anybing for Auckland,’t’ retorted Mr Skelton. The inebriated one appeared dazed for a moment, out, pulling himself together ,lie began heckling again. “Why is it my misfortune that wherever T go I seem to run into the village idiot?” asked Mr Skelton. The inebriated one blinked while the crowd laughed, and then began on a new tack. “I’m. a true Liberal,” he said. “I come from the home of Dick Seddon, the greatest Liberal who ever lived. I’m a West Coaster.” At this juncture a man on the other side of Mr Skelton’s ear leaned across and glared at the unsteady one. Speaking with ,a strong foreign accent, ne barked, “No, you was never see Dick Seddon at all. You was.too young.” Wordy warfare ensued and trouble was averted only 'by the strategic departure of tne man with the foreign accent.

Mr Skelton and the heckler parted the best of friends after shaking hands cordially.