LABOUR YOUTH LEAGUE FORMED IN GREYMOUTH

Grey River Argus, 22 April 1948, Page 2

LABOUR YOUTH LEAGUE FORMED IN GREYMOUTH

“This is not only a political body, but-it is also one which will indulge in social and sporting activities and learning debating”, said Mrs K. O’Brien,, speaking at the first meeting of the newly-formed Greymouth Labour League of Youth at the Lyceum Hall last evening. Mrs O’Brien, who outlined the objects of the League, pointed out that its members would become full members of the Labour Movement, and would be entitled to be represented on the L.R.C. They had a unique opportunity of doing good work for the cause of Labour in Greymouth. The President of the Westland L.R.C., Mr P. Blanchfield, said that the large attendance that evening was a-good augury for the future success of the League. Its members had a say in the whole Labour Movement and he assured them that they would have the full sunport of the Westland L.R.C., which recognised the need for young people to take their share in the work of the Movement. Mr Blanchfield, in stressing the importance of public speaking, said that it enabled young people to gain confidence in themselves. “The Labour Movement is not confined to any one class”, he concluded, “ft Is open to all those who are willing to give social service to the community”. Mr W. J. Butler spoke of the many nleasant visits he had oaid to Youth Leagues throughout the Dominion, and assured the members that older members of the Labour Party would continue to look with kindly interest on their work and achievements. Besides making a study of the principles of Labour, the League would serve to stimulate social interest amongst the younger Labour supporters. In tins way? it would help to preserve the great work done for Westland by the late Hon. James O’Brien.

Alter a large number of members had been enrolled, and a decision to affiliate with the New Zealand Labour Party had been made, the following officers were elected: —

President: Miss E. Mears. Vice-President: Mr C. Knapp. Secretary-Treasurer: Miss Helen Ware, 7 Peel Street, Cobden. The appointment of members of the executive was held over till the next meeting, which it was decided to hold in the Lyceum Hall on May Mr Knapp thanked the Hon. Mary Anderson, M.L.C., who presided, and Mrs M. G. Pfahlert, secretary of the Greymouth Women’s Branch, for the work they had done in founding the League. , Miss Anderson in reply sain the older members of the Party looked to the League to increase and prosper in numbers and work.