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Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1931, Page 4

A large and representative (and as it turned out—an enthusiastic) audience, greeted the Hon. -Ransom at the- Princess Theatre at an unusual hour lost evening. The occasion the appearance of the Minister of Lands in favour of the Coalition candidate. Mr Ransom captivated the audience at the outset. His clear and fluent- speech held the people throughout as he traversed reasons for the formation of the Fusion Ministry. The time at the disposal of the speaker was very limited, but having a rapid delivery, he crowded much matter into his address. Mr R,annum is a loyal follower of the Prime Minister, and he rightly tributed Mr Forbes for his courage and acumen in the' time of serious financial difficult-. It was clear that while Mr Ransom is an important unit in the political field of action, he has faith and confidence in his loader, aiid he’ievos him capable of handling the destinies of the country at this critical juncture. On the other hand, the references to laud and settlement •showed that Mr Ransom himself w?s likewise a f a pa hie member of the administration, and he, t"o, had e--rage and resource in handling the affairs of the Dominion. In a word, Mr Ransom made an excellent impression on the audience a s to the capabilities of the Government at this difficult period.

The tone of the address likewise won confidence in the speaker. He did not waste time in reviling political opponents, bnt contended himself in giving a/sensible address on several political points in which the audience showed thj* closest attention. Tt was true that a noisy section in opposition attempted to rear its head, but Mr llansom ignored the attempted interruption, and sailed on with his crowded address without disturbance. The section which had designs on upsetting the meeting were met on a new Tint tie front, and the rapid speech..left little opportunity for the disturbers to make their points, wliila all the time the hulk of the audience was closely interested in the remarks, and not in the noisy section. It was an interesting clash to the discomfiture of the Labour supporters, who a® usual, did further harm to their cause. This was exemplified by the ringing cheers for Mr Hansom at the do'e of his address, rather an unusual demonstration for the staid section of a local political meeting.