CANDIDATE SCORES

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 504, 6 November 1928, Page 13

CANDIDATE SCORES

INTERJECTORS GET LITTLE CHANGE MR. V. POTTER IN FORM Apart from getting through a great deal of policy matter, Mr. V. IT. Potter, Reform for Eden, had an excellent time scoring off numerous interjectors at Dominion Road last evening. Interjections were almost continuous, and at times the meeting was uproarious. “This is the first time in my long political career that I have had to face anything as scurrilous as this,” said Mr. Potter, referring to a pamphlet which he said was being distributed by the United Party. He read the circular, which dealt with a mining discussion :in the House, and said he blamed his opponent for sanctioning it. A Voice: Never mind that. Mr. Potter: Oh you don’t want it, but I am speaking to these intelligent people, and you won’t understand. “If my opponent can’t beat me on his politics, why circulate this sort of thing. The insinuation was that I was drunk in the House.” A Voice: Do you drink? Mr. Potter: Yes I do. It has never cost you anything, but you should know. You have cost me enough. The candidate went on to speak of finances, and received an interjection concerning income tax, * which enabled him neatly to turn the tables. The interjector, v who happens to have been asked to leave at least five meetings, said he had been billed for over £8 on an income of £3OO, and produced the demand notice. “First, there is no tax on £300,” said Mr. Potter. “Secondly, I see that you have not sent in your income tax return this year, and that this demand draws your attention to it, and is billing you on the department’s own estimate of your income.” The next interjector made some remark eulogising Sir Joseph Ward. “Oh! How much do you know about him?” asked Mr. Potter. “When did he go out of office? How long was he Prime Minister?” There was an obvious Jack of reply. “Mere parrot talk,” commented the candidate. A persistent interjector next drew fire. “I’ll offer you a job and you won’t take it,” said Mr. Potter. A Voice: What’s it worth? Mr. Potter: What you’re worth, and that wouldn’t ruin anyone. “It’s a rotten Government,” said someone in the crowd, apropos of nothing in particular. "If you can’t wait till question time, come up here on the stage and tell them all you know,” was an invitation by the candidate to another interjector. “I’ll pledge the audience it won’t tak© you more than three minutes/* “What about Waiuku?” asked another interjector, when political railways were under comment. '“You show how much you know of your subject by telling me what it cost and what it is earning, and I’ll answer your question,” said Mr. Potter Again there was no reply. A vote of thanks and confidence was declared carried.