Mr R. P. R. Drayton ‘uncompromising Stand’ (Press, 23 October 1975)

Roger Drayton, the Labour candidate and Member of Parliament for St Albans, has made a strong stance on issues such as abortion law reform and homosexual law reform, stating that his views may be more rigid than those of the Roman Catholic Church despite not being a Catholic himself. Drayton, who has been representing St Albans since 1960, voted against the Crimes Amendment Bill relating to homosexual reform, insisting that his actions mirrored the sentiments of his constituents. At 50 years old, he has a long-standing history with the Labour Party, which he joined at age 16, and prior to his political career, he served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, achieving the rank of Squadron Leader. Drayton emphasised that moral issues are significant in the upcoming election, noting substantial support for his "uncompromising" stance on both abortion and homosexual rights within his electorate. He also highlighted housing as a crucial topic, crediting the government for the completion of 34,000 houses in 1973 and 1974, and affirmed the necessity to sustain this success. A pressing concern for residents of St Albans has been a long-standing issue with open drains, dating back to 1946. Drayton expressed frustration with the drainage boards' financial limitations that have hindered necessary improvements. He noted that recent severe storms have adversely affected many commercial growers in his area and praised their advocacy for support, wishing more pressure groups would emulate their effective approach. Throughout his tenure, Drayton has maintained close contact with his constituents, sending out around 10,000 pieces of mail annually to address housing and social welfare concerns. He adheres to three core principles: responsibility to his electorate, service to Parliament, and service to the Labour Party, in that order. He found that his views usually aligned with those of his party, appreciating the egalitarian nature of caucus meetings where every member's argument carries weight. Drayton takes pride in being part of the third Labour Government of New Zealand, claiming substantial achievements over a short span of three years. He believes that New Zealand has gained international respect under the current government, successfully establishing the country's position in Asia and the Pacific. He asserts that the Labour Party is representative of New Zealand's populace, enriched with the people, policies, and purpose necessary for providing strong and progressive governance.

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