NATIONAL PARTY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4305, 17 July 1950, Page 10

NATIONAL PARTY

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

HAURAKI DELEGATES PRESENTATION TO PREMIER Mrs A. S. Sutherland (senior whip) and Mrs Sutherland met at Wellington many of the Hauraki > delegates, who attended the recent N.Z. National Party conference in Christchurch. The junior delegates, Misses F. Strong and B; Fiest, called- on Mrs Sutherland on their way south and were very interested on a tour of the parliamentary buildings which she arranged for them. They were joined by Mr Sutherland 1 for lunch at Bellamys’. They also had the interesting experience of being in the gallery when the House was sitting. The same courtesies were extended to Mesdames F. Syines and G. Pope on the return trip. Other Hauraki delegates and observers to call on Mr Sutherland were Mr George De Thiery (Te Kauwhata), Mr and Mrs C. Parfitt (Pipiroa) and Mr and Mrs A. Davis (Kaihere). The outstanding hospitality of the South Island people was proved during the period of the conference, when there was never a dull moment for the visitors. One hundred and fifty delegates and observers attended the junior conference held on Friday, July 7 at the well equipped rooms of the National Party centre, which was also a popular rendezvous for socials and dances to follow.’

Nine large buses conveyed seniors and juniors on a scenic tour of the Sumner hills on the Sunday afternoon and the whole of the party as well as visitors were entertained to afternoon tea by the Canterbury division at the Sumner town hall. Pnetaentartion to Mir Holland

Following the all-day conference on Monday, an evening reception was held at the Wentworth. Twelve hundred people attended and they gave Mr and Mrs Holland a most enthusiastic welcome when they entered the hall. The presentation of « dining room suite ( to Mr Holland, from the electorates was made by the Dominion president, Mr W. J. Sim, K.C. When expressing the deep gratitude of of Mrs Holland and himself for the gift, the Prime Minister said he could now understand the reason for his being put under a cfuiz fur some time. He deeply appreciated the kind thought that prompted a gift that would be of everlasting joy to the entire family circle.

The supplying of supper for the large crowd assembled was no small task, but the Canterbury division handled it perfectly. Long trestle tables down each side of the hall were divided into separate units, each having it’s large tea-urn and a plentiful supply of food. Visitors- remained seated, seniors attended to the teacups and the food was ably distributed by the juniors, each being allotted a special area. Mr and Mrs Holland mingled with the crowd after supper and many elderly people were to be seen proudly shaking hands with the guests of honour.