EXPELLED FROM LABOUR PARTY

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22726, 2 June 1939, Page 12

EXPELLED FROM LABOUR PARTY

♦ MR ARTHUR ROSSER, OF AUCKLAND CONTESTED ELECTION AS INDEPENDENT (Puess ASSOCIATION TELEGEIU.) , AUCKLAND, June 1. Because he defied the decision of a ballot conducted by the Auckland Labour Representation 'Committee in selecting candidates to contest seats on the Auckland City Council last May, and stood as an independent, Mr Arthur Rosser, one of the best-known figures in Labour circles in has paid the penalty. He has, without a great deal of ceremony, been expelled from the Labour Parly. This makes the second prominent member of the Labour movement in Auckland to be subjected to disciplinary actions in recent times, for last week Mrs M. M. Dreaver, a city councillor and member of several local bodies, was condemned by the Labour Representation Committee for her action in not opposing a resolution passed by the Auckland Hospital Board discontinuing the free issue of tobacco to male inmates of the Epsom infirmary. The notice served on Mr Rosser setting out the decision of the representation committee, it is understood, is brief and to the point. It merely states that he has been expelled from the party “for opposing Labour candidates at the municipal election.” The communication is above the signature of the secretary of the committee, Mr T. P. McCready, and, it is stated, intim-

ales that the decision endorses the recommendation by the executive suggesting the disciplinary action now taken. Members of the Labour movement are disinclined to discuss the latest situation that has arisen, and the president of the Labour Representation Committee. Mr C. J. Sayegh, refused to comment on it. Mr Rosser likewise declared that he had nothing to say. Nevertheless, it seems that the last word has not been said in Mr Rosser's case, for he happens to be the president of the Epsom branch of the Labour Party, and members of this section of the movement arc believed to be incensed at the central body acting allegedly without first consulting them. Protests Likely Present indications are that this branch will lake up the cudgels vigorously in defence of its president. Should that be the case, the Labour Representation Committee is in for a busy time against those who argue that the committee has acted too precipitately and drastically. it is pointed out that Mr Rosser was given an opportunity of appearing before the executive and explaining his attitude in contesting the City Council election when he had been one ot the nominees for n scut and was rejected at the ballot: but did not take it. The result was that the executive recommended his expulsion, and a meeting of delegates had endorsed the recommendation, almost unanimously. Mr Rosser, who was born in 186-1, is still a particularly active man and a keen debater. He lias given a lifetime of service to the Labour movement, for he came to New Zealand with his father. Mr John, Rosser, at the ace of eight .tears. In the days of the Seridon administration, when the Liberal and Labour Federation was the dominant power in politics, he was president of its central council 4> n several occasions. From 1806 onwards he contested Auckland seats in Parliament, but was never successful. From 1001 to 1904 ho represented Labour on the Auckland City Council, and, after an absence of nearly 30 years, was returned to a seat there in 1933. During the time Labour had a majority on the council he was chairman of the works committee, and was responsible for supervising an active programme of works. Up till recently he was one of thi'ec City Council representatives on the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council. Mr Rossei w as also president of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council, from 1903 to 1905, and was later secretary of that organisation. He maintains a keen interest in union activities. A Justice of the Peace, Mr Rosser has been .a delegate to the National Labour Conference several times.