BRISK INTERLUDE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 511, 14 November 1928, Page 11

BRISK INTERLUDE

YOUTH’S PROMISED JOB FATHER ADDRESSES MEETING A few meetings ago—and political time these days is measured in terms of meetings—an Audience addressed by Mr. Vivian Potter, Reform candidate for Eden, was delighted to hear him undertake to get a job for a youth among his hearers. The contract was agreed upon by a hearty handshake between candidate and prospective employee, Mr. Potter guaranteeing to get the young fellow a job on a South Island farm. At question time at the conclusion of Mr. Potter’s final meeting last evening in the Empire Theatre, Dominion Road, a grey-bearded man demanded in a loud voice why his son had not yet got the promised situation. He then told the 1,500 electors present that his hoy had duly met the candidate at the appointed hour on the day following Mr. Potter’s offer. Mr. Potter was too busy—would the young fellow call again the next day? Very well. Mr. Potter was again too busy. Would the boy call to-morrow? Certainly. He called no fewer than seven times —and still no job. The people began to display an angry temper,growing in a menacing angry temper, growing in a menacing out. As the candidate rose to explain, he was riled with “What a bluffer,” which soon became “You’re a twister,” with an undertone of booing. “Let me explain,” appealed Mr. Potter, when he could make himself heard. “The youth came along, all right, but he said to me: ‘Look here, Mr. Potter, I have met with an accident to my leg while playing football and I cannot do heavy work.’ ” A Voiee: The football season is over long ago. This was the signal for prolonged catcalls, counting-out and other demonstrations of disfavour. The Father: You are making political capital out of an unfortunate boy out of work. (Cheers.) ' The meeting became a veritable Bedlam in which the hoarse voice of the candidate was faintly heard expostulating and appealing for a fair go. The matter was pursued no further.