ACTION ENDORSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 84, 9 April 1940, Page 13

ACTION ENDORSED.

HON. W. E. BARNARD.

RESIGNATION FROM PARTY.

NAPIER BRANCH'S CONFIDENCE

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) HASTINGS, Monday. A resolution expressing confidence in the Hon. W. E. Barnard, who has resigned from the Labour party, was carried by about a two to one majority by the Xapier branch of the New Zealand Labour party at its meeting tonight. The resolution was as follows: "That this branch, having fully considered the action of the member for Xapier, Mr. Barnard, and his reasons, endorses the •steps he has taken, affirms its complete confidence in him as a loyal and efficient representative of the Labour movement and assures him of its wholehearted support."

T'h<> gathering was comparatively orderly, though the feelings of a section of the.audience ran rather high. T!;ere was a. goi>d deal of excitement, applause and cheering when the motion wan put. Some hundreds were unable to obtain admission to the- hall where the meeting was held. When the result of the voting was announced, it is stated, it was greeted with cheers and the singing of '"For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mr. Barnard is to address the electors of Napier at a later date and explain the position fully to them.