The Tumult And The Shouting Dies

Every three years the people of New Zealand have their say and, as we see it, last month they told members of the National and Labour parties that they were dissatisfied. They did this, not in a sweeping rejection of these parties' candidates (that was not to be expected), but by doubling the vote of the Social Credit Party and by refusing to vote at all. During the election campaign, it appeared obvious that, by agreement or otherwise, the Labour and National parties decided to ignore the presence of Social Credit. But they were out of touch. The impression we formed by speaking and listening to people during the month was that while they did not think Social Credit was the answer to the country's problems, they were fed up with the other two parties. We're sure that from henceforth Social Credit will not be ignored again.

On the home front, Mr Stan Whitehead, as expected, romped home a clear-cut winner in the electoral stakes. But he lost a lot of votes, not to National's Dr E. B. Slack, but to Social Credit's Mr C. B. Nicholls. And we think it fair comment to say that Mr Whitehead's personal popularity and record of hard work for his electorate did more to return him than his Party's policy did. Dr Slack, contesting the seat for the first time, also polled less than the previous National candidate, Mr Peter Malone. For Mr Nicholls, it was victory in defeat. He doubled his 1963 vote.

In the Buller electorate, sitting member Mr W. E. Rowling increased his majority, but with a reduced poll. Mr E. W. King, the National candidate, also polled less votes than in 1963, but the Social Credit candidate, Mr W. Dobier, nearly doubles the 1963 vote to Social Credit.

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All friends again, despite the votes taken from him by Mr Nicholls, Nelson M.P. , Mr Stan Whitehead.and Colin Nicholls share a handshake.

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Dr Slack on the platform

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Popular Ernie King was not downhearted

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Labour Party leader, Mr Norman Kirk, and Mr Whitehead with party officials after a lunch-time address at the Church steps.