MASTERTON SEAT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 July 1938, Page 7

MASTERTON SEAT

NATIONAL PARTY MEETING IN EKETAHUNA. MR IRVING’S CANDIDATURE. Mr A. H. Herbert, presiding at the annual meeting of the Eketahuna branch of the National Party on Monday night said he was delighted to welcome so many as were there present. Mr Herbert said that naturally the National supporters wanted to know what was doing and the large attendance showed the interest being taken. He introduced the new candidate, Mr J. H. Irving, and appealed for loyalty to the old traditions. The election should be fought without bitterness and the meeting had been called to go into ways and means of campaigning. The Eketahuna branch had a membership of 139, Nireaha and Rongokokako had nearly 100 per cent of the people and Hukanui, Alfredton and Kaitawa were also Nationally solid. Two committees were elected as follow: — Men: Messrs W. Simpson, W. Olsen, S. Tripe, A. H. Herbert, A. J. Perry, C. Evans and C. Burton. Ladies: Mesdames McAnulty, Albrechtsen, Fraser, A. J. Perry, Gallagher, Higginson, Turnor, J. Davie, Burton and Miss A. Anderson. Mr Irving said he was glad to be there. There would be time later on for politics when he would have plenty to say. He had already a very considerable’ amount of support. Mr Irving spoke of his leader, the Hon. A. Hamilton, in terms of sincere admiration. Many had asked why he had been chosen as leader. He could tell his hearers there was no more capable and honest man in New Zealand. He had known him since he was a child, having been born in a district near where he lived. He was in contrast to the men who used the wireless to put up their political smokescreens. Mr Irving said he was out to do his very, best for the district and if at the end of the first three years they were not satisfied he would go back to his business. He was entitled to say (giving figures of financial members of the Party) he had every reason to believe he was going to get in, but that did not mean that any supporter with a cold on election day should say “He’s going to get in. My vote does not matter.” Every vote mattered to the majority they so confidently expected and a good majority was wanted for its ■ moral effect on the Opposition. There was the same story of optimism all through New Zealand. In the Masterton electorate they must not let their energies be deflected by side issues such as “tunnels” put forth to do just that. Socialism versus Democracy was the straightout issue to be fought. They would try to keep the fight clean as Mr Sykes had done. As far as he and Mr Robertson were concerned it would be a fair fight. Mr G. R. Sykes said he was pleased to find such enthusiasm in Eketahuna. In Masterton it was the silent vote that had carried him over the hurdle on every occasion and it was there to do the same today. Members of the Labour Party (and paying into the funds of the Labour Party) had told him they would record their vote against Labour. There were 6,500 on the Masterton roll alone and most of his time must be spent there. With Regard to Mr Irving he had with him been actively engaged during the last two months. His eyes were open to necessities and he was everywhere he was required. He wished to come into personal contact with the electors. He was at home with all classes and was a good mixer. They would be very proud of their new member and he would hold the seat for many years as others had done before him. Mr Geo. Beetham, 21 years; Mr Hogg, 21 years; and he (Mr Sykes) for 24 years.