TORPEDO HITS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1943, Page 5

TORPEDO HITS

ON ENEMY MERCHANT SHIPS ATTACKS BY BEAUFIGHTERS. OFF THE DUTCH COAST. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) RUGBY, September 26. Photographs show that in securing torpedo hits on a medium-sized merchant ship in the course of an attack on enemy shipping off the Dutch coast yesterday, Beaufighters of the Coastal Command also scored a hit on a smaller merchantman. In addition, three escort vessels were set on fire by cannon shells. When last seen, the med-ium-sized vessel was down by the stern. do the best he could for the district. (Applause). Mr Robertson said that although he was the defeated candidate there was no personal bitterness as far as he was concerned. No personalities had ever been introduced by him into any election contest in which he had taken part; the election was carried out entirely on principles. "I would like to say a word in regard to the lady now standing beside me,” said Mr Robertson. referring to Mrs Robeitson. "She lias always been a tremendous assistance to me in my public life." He said he hoped to retain all the friends he had made. All, said Mr Robertson, had to face the tasks ahead of them in New Zealand and in this district with courage and determination and do the best they could for this splendid country of theirs. At' Mr Robertson's call, three cheers were given for Mr Mackley. The crowd then gave three cheers for "Robbie” and one for Mrs Robertson. AIRCRAFTMAN D. THOMPSON Stating that the result was very disappointing from his point of view, Aircraftman Thompson congratulated Mr Mackley on his success and heartily endorsed all that Mr Robertson had said. Fie was sure that youth in Nev.Zealand would one day come into its own: they would certainly cbme again. It was a pity that this town had endorsed the policy of old men. He thanked all who had supported him and in particular a small band of workers for their great services to him in a rather forlorn cause. They had made a start and they would come again. CAPTAIN JUSTIN POWER Captain Power thanked all who had voted for him and said he had enjoyed the contest. It had been a really clean go. He congratulated the winner and extended his sympathy to Mr Robertson. The courtesy and kindness which he had received in Masterton had been exemplary. Particularly did he wish to thank the civil servants here, the members of the Post Office. Captain Power said he had travelled all over New Zealand and he had found the “Times-Age" to be the fairest paper he had ever come across in a political contest. He had something in common with Mr Mackley. Both wore ex-railway servants and were both "just in power,". Captain Power said he had no committee; it had been a long, hard struggle but he had enjoyed it and could take it. He wanted to heartily thank his committee of one man, Mr Vai Mason, for all he had done for him. He was sure that Mr Mackley would be of great credit to the district and Mr Thompson, he thought, had a great political career in front of him. The people of Masterton, when Mr Mackley had served his term, should get behind Mr Thompson, who was born and bred in the district and resided here. He wished all good luck and good night. At Mr Mackley’s call, cheers were given for the unsuccessful candidates and for the "Times-Age" and those associated with it in obtaining the results, the proprietors, the managing director, the editor and the whole of the stall.