HEAVEN ON EARTH

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 956, 26 April 1930, Page 9

HEAVEN ON EARTH

UNITED MILLENIUM APPROACHING MR. DONALD IS SURE Eras of unbounded prosperity following on his election to Parliament and the continuation of the United Party policy were foretold by Mr. Alan Donald speaking to a packed audience at the Remuera Library Hall on Thursday evening. A number of persistent and jovial Labour supporters at the rear gave hint his first taste of jocular heckling. On the platform with Mr. Donald were the Hon. G. W. Forbes, acting-

Leader of the House and Minister of Lands, Mr. G. C. Mumis, M.P. for Roskill, and Mr. A. J. Murdoch, M.P. for Marsden. Mr. C. G. Macindoe was in the chair.

The candidate’s speech was preceded by a fighting defence of the Government by the Hon. G. W. Forbes, who received an excellent hearing followed by enthusiastic cheers. Even Mr. Donald was carried away by enthusiasm.

“Since hearing the Minister speak 1 am more than ever certain that I have done right in throwing in my lot. with the Government,” he declared. “With it lies the only possible solution of the grave problems of today.” Thoughts of the alleged maladministration of the Reform Party during its term of office caused Mr. Donald to relapse into a burst of business phraseology. “Think of yourselves as a hoard of directors,” he appealed. “You have employed a general manager for 16 years. What would you do if he had spent your money loosely?” T’he audience had no suggestions to make, so Mr. Donald said. “Why, you would give him the sack!” Musical jargon crept into the address when the candidate became indignant about Mr. Bloodworth, who, when accused of blowing his own trumpet, had retorted that Mr. Donald did not, even have a tin whistle to blow. “If I did have a tin whistle I didn’t blow it anyway,” said the candidate indignantly.

Though Mr. Bloodworth boasted of his public body experience, Mr. Donald wished to remind him that the electors of Parnell had turned him down before for political honours. Voice: He topped the poll at the municipal elections. Mr. Donald: Weil, he can say what, he lftces about me, hut he can’t object to my coming back at him.” Mr. Donald then painted a rosy picture of New Zealand as a land flowing with milk and honey under the guidance of the present Government. The audience applauded vigorously, hut the Labour followers at the hack laughed, sarcastically.

At the conclusion of Mr. Donald’s speech a man in the hall rose to move a vote of confidence. A chorus of “Sit down,” “Give us a chance” and “What about questions?” silenced him and the chairman announced that questions would now be received.

Mr. Donald said he was not in fav our of raising the old-age pension at the present time as he did not think the country could afford it. This was greeted by a chorus of jeers from the Labour supporters. Several more tough and technical questions were asked the candidate, who was vigorously prompted by a man sitting beside him on the stage. After supplying tho answer, the prompter led the clapping enthusiastically. At the conclusion of the address a motion of confidence in the candidate was carried amid a thin chorus of protests.