WAIRARAPA SEAT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1938, Page 9

WAIRARAPA SEAT

MR J. F. THOMPSON’S CAMPAIGN ’ STATEMENT ABOUT RELIGION Speaking at a meeting at Upper Hutt on Tuesday night, Mr J. F. Thompson, National candidate for Wairarapa, said there had evidently been a misunderstanding as to a certain statement made by him when speaking at the Upper Hutt some time back. He had told the meeting that the National Party stood for free speech, free religious worship, etc. He had been challenged by officials of the Labour organisation at the Upper Hutt, who were trying to put something into his mouth that he had not said. Mr Thompson quoted from a pamphlet issued by Mr Ben Roberts to show that their ideas on religious worship were identical. At question time, Mr Morgan, one of the officials who had signed the open letter to Mr Thompson through the Press, asked the candidate if he would deny the statement attributed to him. Mr Fleming, who said he was chairman at the previous meeting denied that Mr Thompson had used the words suggested. “You all know me,” said Mr Fleming, “and I am sure you will accept what I say as being the correct version.” (loud applause). Mr Morgan again rose to his feet, but it was some minutes before he was permitted to say anything, owing to the continued clapping and stamping of feet. The chairman ruled, however, that the question could not again be asked. “Surely you can believe Mr Thompson and myself,” said Mr Fleming. Mr Morgan: “I call on those who believe in fair play to leave the hall with me.” About thirty men and women rose and tramped out of the hall, to the accompaniment of “For they are jolly good fellows,” from those who remain-, ed behind. It was ascertained afterwards that Mr Morgan in persisting with his question, was out of step with the main organisation behind Mr Roberts, which had requested the Upper Hutt branch not to reopen the incident. ADDRESS AT LONGBUSH To an audience that packed the school house, Mr Thompson on Monday night, was given a patient hearing at Longbush. Mr A. Ross occupied the chair. Among other matters, the candidate dealt with the allocation made by the Prime Minister of party speeches foi broadcasting, which he characterised a; unfair and not playing the game. He thought that at the ballot box- the people would express their disapproval in no uncertain manner of the IMinister’s action. On the motion of Mr K. Groves, seconded by Mr C. Henderson, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr Thompson foi his interesting address.