LABOUR'S IDEALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 306, 27 December 1935, Page 3

LABOUR'S IDEALS.

BATTLES RECALLED. MINISTERS IN AUCKLAND. MR. PARRY'S SUPPORTERS. Friends and supporters, and the general committee who worked hard throughout an arduous election compaign for the return of the Labour candidate for Auckland Central, were entertained by the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Mrs. Parry, in the Fabian Club rooms. The evening took the form of a social, with a programme of varied items, and while supper was being passed round the Minister moved among the 150 guests, many of whom he had not seen since election day. The guest of honour was the Prime Minister, the Hon. M. J. Savage, who was received with musical honours, and prolonged applause.

In a speech of thanks, Mr. Parry recalled that he had begun his open-air crusade on behalf of Labour principles scarcely 100 yards from the club rooms in which the social was being held. He had spoken in Quay Street on many occasions throughout the war. In the circumstances it was peculiarly fitting that the Labour supporters of Auckland Central should meet to celebrate the party's victory at a spot so near to the scene of early battles. Mr. Parry said he was deeply grateful for the splendid work of his host of active workers, so many of whom were present. He felt that he was among friends and comrades. (Applause.) After a sweeping victory such as Labour had experienced one found many "fair-weather friends," but he was able to discern the old-time friends who had worked and made sacrifices from those who only now saw something to admire in Labour's programme. He felt that if there were to be another general election in a week or two Labour, in the light of what had happened, would sweep the country. (Applause.) Mr. Parry said the Government was anxious to make an immediate start on its programme so that a state of well-being might be brought about among the people generally. Just as his people had supported him so loyally throughout the last and other general election campaigns, so it would be necessary for all to pull together and co-operate with the Government in the work that lay ahead. Mr. Parry concluded by wishing all the compliments of the season.

Prime Minister's Early Days. When Mr. Savage rose to speak his reception was so enthusiastic that he had to remain standing for nearly five minutes, smiling his acknowledgments. Ho began by recalling the early days of Labour's fight for recognition of the rights of the people, making special reference to outdoor addresses in Quay Street, just across from the scene of that night's victory celebrations. Mr. Savage made special mention of the steadfast and loyal work of Mr. Parry, who had always been in the van of the battle. (Applause.) In those days people had to be convinced that the Labour speakers were not wrong in the head. (Laughter.) However, as the years passed and the party grew, the ideals and aspirations of the Labour party had come to be more generally appreciated.

Looking back over the long political fight he remembered how hard it had been to make progress, but to-day all realised that the. fight had been worth while, for the New Zealand Labour Party had won a victory such as had not been achieved by Labour in any other part of the world. All things considered, the day Qf its success had not been unduly prolonged.

The Prime Minister said Labour knew what it wanted, and had a definite policy to implement. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way. It should be realised that people, and not things or circumstances, stood in the way of that policy. Such being the case, the Government was in no difficulty in implementing its policy, as those who stood in the way would have to be pushed on one side, so that the people of New Zealand might enjoy their national birthright. (Applause.) Labour wanted to see all the people really happy, and in giving effect to its policy the well-being of the people would be the paramount consideration.

Important Work Ahead. When Cabinet assembled on January S important work would be undertaken right away, continued the Prime Minister. Legislation would be prepared for the session of Parliament which was to open in February. In the meantime, the Government bad done what it could to make the lot of people happier, and he hoped that all would enjoy the holiday season to the full.

A pioneer of the Labour movement, Mr. H. Wood, who had come in from the Costley Home for the social, received special mention by Mr. Savage, who stepped down from the platform and took the aged supporter by the hand while he made his remarks. Mr. Savage said Mr. Wood had been a lifelong worker in the interests of the working people arid recalled how, in the speaker's earliest days in New Zealand, Mr. Wood was always among those most active in disseminating Labour's ideas and aspirations. It was good to have Mr. Wood among them in Labour's hour of victory.

All present accorded the veteran a rousing round of applause. He was visibly moved by the Prime Minister's appreciative words.

Other speakers were Mr. J. Jennings, chairman of the Labour Representation Committee, who presided, Mr. C. Matthews, president of the Auckland Central Labour Committee, and Mr. S. Martin, secretary. A resolution was carried thanking the performers who had contributed to a most enjoyable programme.