Homosexuals, Abortion, Jobs, Drinking Crucial... (Press, 2 September 1975)

The public meeting held on 1 September 1975 in the Sydenham electorate highlighted significant issues in the lead-up to the General Election, with a focus on homosexuality, abortion, unemployment, and the proposed lowering of the drinking age. The forum featured candidates from major political parties—Mr J. N. Kirk from Labour, Mr P. K. Mathieson from National, Mr J. Poundsford from Social Credit, and Mr A. Lea from the Values Party. Despite the candidates discussing party leadership and crime control, the audience of approximately 150 showed a keen interest in more contentious topics, leading to a lively exchange where the chairman had to intervene to maintain order. In addressing unemployment, Mr Kirk stated that the current figures had not matched the dire levels of 1967 under the National Government, asserting that the Labour Government had made significant efforts to keep unemployment in check. Mr Mathieson asserted that the National Party planned to restore productivity as a means to combat joblessness. Mr Poundsford attributed the unemployment crisis to the government's actions to rectify the balance of payments, which he claimed had inadvertently hurt manufacturing and job creation. Mr Lea proposed retaining significant construction contracts for local workers as a solution. Regarding the drinking age, Mr Mathieson indicated that the National Party supported lowering it to 18, a sentiment echoed by Mr Lea. However, Mr Kirk and Mr Poundsford noted their conditional support, positing that voting age and military service eligibility should correspond with drinking privileges, albeit with age verification. The candidates also discussed overseas borrowing, with Mr Kirk explaining Labour's strategy of utilising borrowing to ensure economic stability. Mr Mathieson acknowledged that the National Party may also need to borrow, though he suggested it would be to a lesser degree than Labour. Mr Poundsford pledged that a Social Credit Government would not pursue borrowing, while Mr Lea remained non-committal about his party’s prospects. All candidates expressed their support for establishing a nuclear-free zone in the Pacific and banning nuclear warships from visiting New Zealand. In his closing remarks, Mr Mathieson outlined two main policy aims of the National Party, including enhancing industrial relations and maintaining sporting ties without political interference, which garnered positive responses from the audience. Mr Kirk concluded by emphasising his commitment to addressing rising crime rates and the necessity of judicial awareness regarding public safety concerns. The meeting underscored the contentious nature of the upcoming election, with social issues taking prominence over traditional party lines.

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