PUBLIC MEETING

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1936, Page 4

PUBLIC MEETING

(Contributed.) A public meeting .of the Hokitika branch of the New 1 Zealand. Labour Party was held in the Town Hall last evening. About 25 members and, unfortunately,’ho representatives of the general public, were present. As the meeting was called especially to consider arrangements fpr . a social and presentation to Mr J as. O’Brien,, Member of Parliament for Westland, \ and as all interested citizens had been invited, it was greatly to be regretted that there was such a small attendance. Not only Labour supporters, out everyone who' interests himself in the district, realise the invaluable work that Mr O’Brien has done, and .... is still doing, for Westland. The occasion how presents itself to recognise in a fitting manner his unselfish service to the community. It is hoped that with whatever arrangements are made, local bodies and citizens will be eager to co-operate. Th meeting cosidered proposals for the social and presentation, and finally decided to leav c the details in the hands of th e Executive. A number of collectors for the presentation fund was selected, and in due course tehy will make a canvass of the district. Particulars will he announced ■ later. The meeting,,agreed that the , reception to the member should fce on ■ a strictly democratic basis, and all ~r < interests and groupings in the commu- .- riitv are invited to assist in making , ~ it a success, .

The ordinary business of th;© branch was then taken. Twelve new members , ■ were enrolled, bringing the total membership to about 75. The following additions were made to the personnel of the'executive, S. H. Dromgoole, W. McCormack / (Rimu)' F. Newman (Kanieri), Wm. L. Robertson, and F. Selby (Kanieri). The arrangements fbr‘’ ,: this week’s euchre evening, to’he held to-night in. the Soldiers’ Hall, were confirmed. A special committee was' appointed to take charge. ."

In view of the success of the public lecture arranged by the branch* and delivered last week by Mr Geo. Manning, M.A., it was suggested and approved that the next lecture be broadcast from Greymouth. The executive were empowered to,.make the necessary ■arrangements. At present it is not definitely known who will be the next speaker, nor when hp .will arrive; hut as soon as possible these, details will he announced. v.\v Upon the new members completing their membership forms, the meeting adjourned, / '■'! ' ■