THE NATIONAL CANDIDATE

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 97, 14 October 1938, Page 2

THE NATIONAL CANDIDATE

GREAT WHAKATANE RECEPTION LADY MOVES VOTE, OF CONFIDENCE (Press Special Hep or ter.) On the tick of; eight last night applause rang out. from an audience of approximately 6UO at the Regent Theatre) Whakatane, as ‘Dig Bill’ Sullivan, National Candidate lor Bay of Plenty, approached the stage to address electors in his home town for the last time before the election- The candidate was accompanied by Airs. Sullivan, whose appearance brought a renewed burst of applause as she. took her place on the stage. The Mayor, Air. B. S. Barry and Airs. Barry also faced the .audience, the Mayor taking tho chair and paying a glowing tribute to M’r. Sullivan’s public record of achievement. The applause broke out afresh as the candidate rose, to speak. He delivered a 24-hour address almost without interjection, answering half a dozen questions later. Loud speakers were installed as part of a public address system. “I belong to no/ gang.” said Air. Sullivan. If the old Government was the ‘elcl gang,’ the present Government may be called the ‘new gang.’ We want to, get rid of gangs' in the management of this country.” (Applause). “I sometimes think the Government would not care very much if its unsound financial policy brought about a state of chaos, if through that they could' bring to fruition their dream of complete socialisation,” said Air. Sullivan. . The candidate strongly denied rumours that lie had at any time sought nomination from the Labour Party. “This was put up to me at Hicks Bay”, lie. said, “and I challenged the man who said it to. prove his statement. Later he admitted he had been wrong. The fact is that I "'as approached in 1935 and was asked by a Labour supporter to accept Labour nomination. A certain member of the present Government made certain guarantees, but I refused.” Airs. Fisher, of Thornton, rose to move; “That this gathering expresses thanks to Air. Sullivan for his address. and confidence in him; in tho National Party, and in its leader.” 'l’lie motion was greeted with prolonged applause and whistling, above which could he hoard insistent cries of “Hoar, hear!” Suddenly there came clearly in a feminine voice: “Going to fly in. Bill,” followed by a shout of laughter and further dapping. The motion was carried by a tremendous majority.