the decision was carried by delegates 108 votes to 14. Social Credit The Social Credit Party decided to not contest the Patea by-election. The party head office issued a press statement that given the close proximity of the next general election there was little purpose contesting the seat. Campaign For the most part, both Sheat and Winchcombe had well-attended meetings to make addresses, though Duggan had difficulty inspiring interest in his ideas about the principles of Liberalism his campaign was centred on. Despite breaking with National's party organisation, Sheat found himself still defending his former party's interests, albeit without any official backing. Other than restating his reasons for resigning and triggering the by-election, the rest of his speeches were defending the Government against Labour's criticisms (particularly with regards to financial policy). He still rallied many staunch local National supporters to support him, and was supported by small party committees and the central committee in Hawera to assist with the organisation of his campaign. Winchcombe was supported by some of Labour's most prominent MPs who spoke in his support at public meetings. Party leader Walter Nash spoke at his campaign launch meeting at Hawera and his final meeting on at Wanganui. Party president Arnold Nordmeyer spoke at a meeting at Waverley early in the campaign, deputy leader Jerry Skinner spent a whole weekend in the electorate and spoke at a meeting in Patea, Ethel McMillan spoke at two meetings in Hawera and Mick Moohan spoke at Patea. Labour's campaign speakers used the by-election criticising the Government, particularly on financial grounds, which had been a common area of criticism throughout the parliamentary session. Previous election |} Results The final vote count included 436 special votes, which were not included in the election-night results. Sheat's majority of 24 on election night was only 18 after the final count. Sheat subsequently did not stand in the 1954 general election but was returned to Parliament in the as the MP for and he retired at the . Notes References External links Patea By-election Act 1954 Patea Patea Politics of Taranaki July 1954 events in New Zealand Patea