MRS. H. E. HOLLAND

Grey River Argus, 14 December 1937, Page 4

MRS. H. E. HOLLAND

WELCOME AT RUNANGA. Mrs H. E. Holland, widow of the ivte Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, who is at present visiting the West Coast, was last evening the guest of the RunAnga Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party at a complimentary social and dance in the State Miners’ Hall. There was a good attendance, and an enjoyable evening was spent. Mr G. E. English, president of the State Miners’ Union, welcomed Mrs Holland to Runanga after some years’ absence in Australia. He referred to her late husband’s work in the interests of the Labour movement in New Zealand, and said that much of the success that had resulted from, his efforts was clue to the self-sacrifice ,and ready sympathy of Mrs Holland. The gathering that evening was to pay tribute to her and her late husband, whose association with Runanga would never be forgotten. Mrs Holland, said Mr English, would carry back to Australia with-her the very best wishes of all sections of the West Coast.

Mr Robt. Knight, president of the Runanga Labour Party, said that, the members of the Party were pleased to associate themselves with the welcome being extendd to Mrs Holland, whose great assistance to her late husband they all appreciated. He had known Mrs Holland and the late Mr Holland for many years before coming to New Zealand, and knew the great sacrifices made by Mrs Holland in assisting her husband to improve the lot of the poor and needy, and the conditions of the country. The late Mr •Holland, the speaker considered, was the greatest man ever associated with the political movement in this country. Mr Knight referred to the manner in which the present Labour Government was carrying out the ideals of the late Mr Holland, and he expressed regret that. Hons. Webb, Semple, and Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., all of whom had sent apologies, were unable to be present. Mr Knight complimented these gentlemen on the work they were doing for the country. He extended on behalf of the branch a most cordial welcome to Mrs Holland, and expressed best wishes to her and the members of her family. Mrs J. O’Connell, who was hostess for the evening, then handed Mrs Holland a handsome leather travelling suitcase complete, with the best wishes of the Runanga people. Miss Eileen O’Neill presented a bouquet of red roses. Miss Mary Anderson, in a brief speech, expressed thanks on behalf of Mrs Holland for the gifts and the good wishes extended. Mr English tendered an apology on behalf of the Mayor (Mr A. McTaggart), who was attending a Hospital Board meeting. During the evening, songs were rendered by Miss Alice Radcliffe, Messrs A. Airns, J. Duffy, and H. Boote, while Mr J. Patterson rendered a piano solo. Dancing was later indulged in, the music being supplied by McLean’s Orchestra. Mr N. Speakman was M.C.