Social Evening

Hutt News, Volume 17, Issue 24, 17 November 1943, Page 2

Social Evening

HUTT ROAl> WORKERS.

A socal re-union of workers en-

gaged on the construction of the Western Hutt Road in 19 35-38 was held in the Petone Working Men's Club on October 30. Among those present were the Hon. R. Eddy, M.L.C., president of the N.Z. Workers' Union, Mr. Hale, general secretary; and Mr. Waller, engineer in charge of the job. Mr. M. Laracy organised the function, which was presided over by Mr. Alt' Drain. The chairman extended a welcome to all present, and referred to the happy associations made by the men on the Western Hutt Road job. The friendly feeling that existed throughout the job was most marked and it was the object of the function to bring the men together again. The Hon. R. Eddy expressed his pleasure at being present and outlined the activities of the Union. He assured the men that the Union was alive to the needs of the worker and with a Labour Government in pbwer their interests were being well looked after. Owing to petrol shortage and other dilliculties organising work could not be carried out with the same precision, but it was the men themselves that made a union strong, not the officials only. In some districts the men had grouped together and joined the union on their own. That was the true union spirit. The workers to-day had many privileges that were not possible under previous governments, and it was up to them to keep the Labour Government in power if they desired to retain what they had won and for better conditions in the future. He paid tribute to the wonderful service given in the past by old stalwarts like Mick Laracy, Alt' Drain, Roy Nankivell and others who had been imbued with the true spirit ol unionism. He also referred to the great part that the Maoris had played in union affairs and the splendid lead given them at the general election. They showed their appreciation of better working conditions in no uncertain manner. Mr. M. Laracy briefly outlined the progress made by unions since the early days, and spoke of the difficulties that beset organisers in those days. He had faith in the cause and had fought for it all his life. With the advent of a sympathetic Government the cause had flourished and lie would keep on fighting to the last for the principles of unionism. (Applause). ' Mr. Pearce, a local delegate on the union, referred to conditions on the Hutt Road job and appealed to members to attend union meetings and take an interest in the activities of their local union.

Mr. J. Warren, representing the Maori workers, said the Maoris appreciated the improved working conditions made possible by the Government through the unions. Hon. Eddy referred to the loss suffered by the death of Mr. Arthur Cook, who was on his way to England to attend the World Labour Conference, when the ship was torpedoed. As a mark of respect to his memory the assemby stood in silence for a moment. Mr. Hale, general secretary, paid tribute to tne old sLalwarts 01 unionism, who had laid a loandation on solid rock on which to bulla a stronger and better union. His predecessor, the iate Mr. Arthui Cook, had given a life of service in .he cause, and he would do his utmost to be worthy of the trust imposed upon him. Some of the principles that the union had fought for years were now in operation through the Government, and he believed that still more improvements would be available for the workers in the future. "We of the younger generation must continue to build, for unity is strength, and the principles for which we stand are sound and just," he said.

Tributes to the service rendered by the engineers, particularly to Mr.

vValler, were paid by the speakers, who stressed the friendly and cooperative spirit that had existed between the men and the engineers. Mr. Waller had shown a fine spirit, and although differences of opinion had occurred, Mr. Waller had been most reasonable fnd always ready to discuss problems with the men. Mr. Waller said that as a young man the experience gained by him on the Hutt Road job had been most helpful to liim. He was pleased at the remarks passed by the men present, and lie had always endeavoured to listen to another man's opinion. He had found the men reasonable in their demands and had done his best for them. The toast list was as follows: — "The King," proposed by Mr. A. Drain; "The N.Z. Workers' Union," proponed by Mr. Pearce and responded to by Hon. Eddy; "The Hutt Road Workers," proposed by Hon. Eddy and responded to by Messrs. R. Nankivell, D. Brown, T. McLean, M. Laracy, A. Drain, Forsyth and others; "Absent Friends," proposed by Mr. M. Laracy; "Tho Engineer, Mr. Waller," proposed by Hon. Eddy. Several items were rendered and a most enjoyable evening concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."

Amazing events are yet to transpire before the age closes, according to Bible prophecy. Not the least amazing is the invasion of the Middle East, a .military move, which will catch the Empire napping and precipitate the final phase of Armageddon. Several of the inspired prophets were given this revelation by the Almighty to warn the nations in the "Last Days" and to some of these remarkable predictions Mr Yin Brown will point out in an illustrated lecture at the Red Cross Hall this Wednesday. The lecturer has given similar addresses in Auckland and Wellington before large audiences, and is noted for his lucid presentation of facts and convincing style. ,An excellent sound film dealing with the modern war developments will also be screened. The lecture will commence at 7.30.