LABOUR STALWART

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 238, 8 October 1941, Page 8

LABOUR STALWART

MR. NASH HONOURED

GIFT FROM COLLEAGUES

(By Ttlegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

At an enthusiastic gathering of members of the Parliamentary Labour party and friends the Prime Minister, on behalf of Labour mem-Jo-day mate a presentation to Mr. Nash, Minister of Finance, in recognition not only of his services dunng the Prime Minister's absence abroad, but also of his work for the Labour movement from its earliest stages. Mr. Fraser paid an eloquent tribute to the sacrifices made by Mr. Nash when the Labour party had no headquarters. They owed to the enthusiasm and self sacrifice of their guest, he said, the sound foundation of the national organisation. The Prime Minister asked Mr. Nash tol accept from his colleagues in Parliament a gentleman's tallboy, a 1 razor and cuff links as a permanent I reminder of their appreciation. Mr. J. O'Brien (Westland), Chief Government Whip, testified to the party's admiration of the hard work and great capacity of the guest. Mr. Nash in reply added many Interesting reminiscences to the Prime Minister's reminder of incidents in the party's early days, and 1 recognition of the work done by many stalwarts. He assured the gathering that although there had been occasions when difficult situations were faced Labour had achieved so much that he felt he had got from the movement more than he had put in. Mrs. Dreaver presented Mrs. Nash ' with a handbag, with the good wishes of the party, and Mrs. Semple handed her a bouquet. The function concluded with three cheers for the Finance Minister and his wife.

.To-day being the anniversary of the death of Mr. H. E. Holland, former Leader of the Labour party there was a gathering at his grave in the Bolton Street Cemetery, when the Prime Minister paid a tribute to the great leader who had not lived to reap the fruits of victory. Wreaths from headquarters and branches of the party were laid on the tomb.