THE NATIONAL PARTY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4328, 24 August 1937, Page 5

THE NATIONAL PARTY.

BRANCH FORMED IN ARROWTOWN. Mr W. A. Bodkin, M.P. of Central Otago, and Mr L. 0. Colbourne, the Otago-Southlaud organiser for the National Party, visited Arrowtown on Monday, 16th inst., The object of the visit was to meet the electors and arrange for the formation of a branch of the National Party for Arrowtown and district. In the evening a meeting was held in the Council Chambers, and, considering the short notice given, there was a good attendance. His Worship the Mayor Mr W. H. James) presided, and introduced the speakers. Mr Bodkin, in his address, criticised the legislation which had been passed by the Labour Government, and warned those present regarding the danger of the movement towards Socialism and Communism. Mr Colbourne detailed the steps that were being taken all over New .Zealand by the National Party to establish branches in the various districts. He said that he had noticed that in every electorate be had visited in Otago and Southland there was a definite swing towards' the National Party. At the conclusion of the addresses, for which the speakers were thanked, it was decided, on the motion of Mr J, H. Douglas, seconded by Mr J. W,. Reed, that a branch of the National Party be formed. Mr W. P. Saunders was elected chairman, and Mr J. H. Douglas secretary, and the following were appointed a committee Messrs W.H, Thompson, J. O'Fee, and A. V. Miller (Crown Terrace), A. W. Scott, and P. Anderson (Gibbston), D. H. Cockburn, W. S. Reid, and John Reid (Millers Flat), K. A. Haggitt and E. 0. Paterson (Lake Hayes), R. Shaw (Arrow Junction) and J. W. Reed and G. H. Romans (Arrowtown). A preliminary meeting of supporters of the National Party was held in the County Chambers, Queenstown on Tuesday last. Mr W. A. Bodkin, M.P. for Central Otago, and Mr L. 0. Colbourne, Otago-Southland organiser, were present. Mr Bodkin gave a brief resume of the steps that were being taken throughout the Dominion to further the aims and objects of the party. Mr Oolbournc also gave his impressions regarding the leaning that was being shown towards the National Party throughout the electorates, and he impressed upon those present the necessity for thorough organisation ere the next election took place. Mr J. W. Miller was appointed interim chairman and Mr A. P. Griffin interim secretary. •It was decided to make a canvas for members and'to hold a further meeting at a latex date.