LABOUR PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1938, Page 6

LABOUR PARTY

HOKITIKA BRANCH MEETS. The monthly meeting of the Hokitika Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening. Mr J. L. Turner presided over a. good attendance.

The statement covering the children’s picnic held on New Year’s Day was submitted and approved, a credit balance from sales being shown. The Under Secretary of Housing notified that tenders would be called within a few weeks for the first batch of houses in Hokitika, and that it was intended to erect about seven houses in the first contracts called, and these would he erected on the sections secured in Whiteombe Square and the School Reserve; also that the Botanical Gardens reserve would be cleared, roaded and marked off in sections ready for the erection of the second batch of houses. 'l'll© Branch resolved to co-operate m the welcome to the Hon R. Semple and to assist the Ivanieri members of the Branch with their request to the Minister (for a new drainage tnimel from the township direct to the river. Mr F. Selby of the Kanieri Beautifying Society to be advised that all possible assistance would be lent their deputation.

Mr F. Selby was appointed to represent tbe Branch at the official opening of. the new bridge at Kanieri. Regarding the disturbance at tbe Diamond Jubilee, banquet, where an expupil kept on interjecting and quoting the Labour members aml the party, and the chairman’s remarks, it had been remarked that the interjector (who had .been led out of the hall) was a representative of tlie Labour Party.

The Branch resolved to write the Jubilee Committee pointing out that the interjector was not a representative of the Labour Party, but was present as an ex-pupil, and the Branch desired to absolve itself from any connection with the interjector. Many members of the Branch were present at the function, as was their right as ex-pupils, and many lent a helping hand to the executive committee, and. the members of the Branch regretted that any political’significance was given to the Jubilee, celebrations bv the interjector who had nothing to do with the local Branch executive in its local control, and expressed regret tliat the chairman had stated that a- representative of the (Labour 'Party bad been thrown out, when such Was not the case. ;V . L,; L. -M. The Branch resolved to forward the resolution to the Jubilee Committee and to hand a copy to the Press.

A copy'of the pamphlet, “What Labour Means to You,” was received .from National 'Headquarters with a request that the branches co-operate with the distribution throughout the district. The Branch resolved to pay its quota and lend all assistance possible.

Particulars of the National Election campaign were received from National Headquarters, and the Branch appointed its, executive members and delegates to attend the essentials of the campaign. The secretary was instructed to interview the County Clerk in regard 1 to the visit of the Minister of Public Works, and an effort be made to have the Minister meet the local members of the Branch at- a social gathering if time permits. The chairman asked members to submit any questions that they would like Mr Holyoake, Nationalist candidate to answer at his meeting in Hokitika on Friday evening. There was a correct manner of asking the questions, and this procedure should be followed out by the members who would be within their rights. The committee resolved to submit any questions to the executive in writing, and they should be banded to the speaker. LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS. The Municipal elections were considered and the branch after discussion resolved to nominate not more than three members for the Borough Council, as this would give every local organisation an opportunity of presenting its candidates. The branch considered that in a town of Hokitika’s size every organisation should have an equal chance of securing representation on the controlling body. The .following candidates were approved for local elections;—

Hokitika Borough Council; Messrs I) Breeze, J. Fox and E. W. Heenan. Hokitika Harbour Board : Messrs H Harvey and E. W. Heenan. Westland Power Board : Messrs Vl W, Heenan kind F. Selby.

Westland Hospital Board; Messrs J Fox and E. W. Heenan.

For the seat to represent the combined Boroughs of Hokitika. Kiimara and Ross on the Greymouth Harbour Board. Mr E. IV. Heenan was recommended. In connection with the Municipal elections, the Branch resolved to hold a special meeting to elect an executive to control, and to secure, the names of all electors entitled to be on the elector-. Hoil for the Municipal elections. The secretary stated that all persons over the age of 21 years who resided in the Borough of Hokitika were entitled to he placed on the local roll, and record their vote at the forthcoming Council elections.

The town would be divided into Mocks and executive officers would be allocated blocks, and a systematic survey taken of the town, any person desiring to be placed on the roll to be given every assistance. * ... .