LABOUR PARTY

Franklin Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 32, 22 March 1939, Page 8 (Supplement)

LABOUR PARTY

INCREASED STRENGTH PUKEKOIIE FIGURES THE YEAR’S ACTIVITIES Congratulations on the increased strength of the branch were expressed by the chairman, Mr A. Best, at the annual meeting of the Pukekohe branch of the Labour Party. The acthe interest displayed by the members was responsible, in no small degree, for the increased Labour vote in the Franklin electorate, he said.

Mr Best commented favourably on the work done by the W.E.A. in conjunction with the branch. A series of lectures had been given on the Labour movement and its various phases. The class, while small, luo clone useful work and would not doubt prove to be a source of strength. The membership showed an increase of 52 over the previous year. The matter of the renial of tlats and State houses, and the housing conditions of tlie Maori folk, was left with Messrs N. L. Shields, G. C. Mevel'l, and D. Scott to discuss with tlie Minister. The branch decided to support the decision of the Prime Minister m reference to the broadcast of “Behind the Headlines.” It was resolved to hold a series of monthly socials during the year. A vote of thanks was passed to the ladies for their assistance in fostering the social life of the branch. THE EASTER CONFERENCE In Wellington on Monday, April 10, there will assemble representatives of branches and Labour representation committees appointed by the rank and file from all parts of New Zealand. The Easter conference, more or less, dictates the policy of the party and is designed to give every branch and through the branch, individuals, an opportunity to express themselves. There are altogether 81 remits, some o': which are divided into sub-sections. The subject matter ranges from purely machinery clauses dealing with the. routine work of the branches, to the State owning an air craft factory. All remits up to number 18 deal with membership, delegates, party finance, nomination'of candidates for public bodies and selection of Parliamentary candidates. Remit 20 is interesting. It states: j “That no member of the Party shall be eligible to be nominated as a local j body or Parliamentary candidate until , he or she has passed an examination in economics to the satisfaction of the National executive. Certain organisations are banned from the party. A , remit designed to allow them to become members is beine: put forward. A keen discussion will take place and the decision of the conference will be awaited with interest.