TWENTY-FIRST YEAR

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 149, 19 March 1936, Page 13

TWENTY-FIRST YEAR

Labour Representation Committee ELECTION OF OFFICERS Tile twenty-first annual meeting of the Wellington Labour Representation Committee was held at the Trades Hail last night, there being an attendance of about 45 delegates, representing 8000 members of branches ami unions. Tbe retiring president. Hon. 11.I 1 . Fraser, presided.

Tile report slated that the period it covered had beeu one of intensive activity Lor lite New Zealand Labour Party. The Wellington Labour Representation Committee, in conjunction with other branches, affiliated -unions ami members, bad participated in that activity to a degree hitherto unknown in the movement. The executive of the L.R.C. extended its sincere thanks to delegates, branches aud affiliations for the "loyalty and co-operation shown throughout the period, and for the hard work undertaken and the achievements. Due to tbe splendid team work aud comradeship existing during the whole very trying period, the L.R.C. could look back on obstacles overcome, rejoice in its present gains and look for ward with confidence to a continuance of its work on behalf of the people of New Zealand. With a continuity of this team spirit during the coming year, tbe future of the L.R.C. aud the Labour movement—which meant the people— looked bright, aud their efforts in the building of a new social order would at last lie crowned with success. Tbe first big effort of the year was the campaign in connection with tbe municipal elections, iu May, 1935.

The LR.C. contested the Mayoralty, the 15 seats on tbe City Council, four city seats ou the Harbour Board, aud 13 city seats ou the Hospital Board. Labour’s total gains were three seats, but with a greatly-increased vote for all candidates. In every case a Labour candidate headed the list of elected candidates with a record number of votes.

After setting out Labour’s/ achievements in getting things done on the local bodies, the report went on to refer to tbe victory at the general election. Congratulations were extended to Messrs. P. Fraser (president of the L.R.C.) and R. Semple (a delegate) on their elevation to Cabinet rank, and to Mr. R. McKeen, M.P., on hisi appointment as Junior Whip. Although Labour did not increase its representation iu the House at the elections, its total vote grew from 50 per cent, of the total votes cast in ’Wellington to 54 jx)r cent, in 1935.

Appreciative reference was made by the meeting to the services of the Hon. P. Fraser, retiring president, and Mr. P. M. Butler, retiring secretary. The lion. T. Brindle. M.L.C, was congratulated on his appointment to tbe Legislative Council, and the meeting offered good ' wishes to Mr. McKeen, who leaves soon for Geneva as the Government delegate to the 1.L.0. Conference, and to Mrs. McKeen. The election of officers resulted: — 1 President, Mr. J. O. Johnson; vicepresident, Hon. P. Fraser; secretary, Mr. J. 11. Collins; auditor, Mr. J. Glover; executive committee, Hou. T. Brindle, M.L.C., H. Hening, F. Cox, P. Connors, J. W. Ranson.