Whangarei Labour Party Farewell To Mr. And Mrs Barclay

Northern Advocate, 26 April 1944, Page 4

Whangarei Labour Party Farewell To Mr. And Mrs Barclay

To farewell Mr and Mrs J. G. Barclay, who will shortly be leaving the Dominion for Canberra, where Mr Barclay, the former M.P. for Marsden and Minister for Agriculture and Marketing, has been appointed New Zealand’s High Commissioner at Canberra, a valedictory social, attended by members, friends and supporters of the Labour Party was held in the Warrington Studios, Whangarei. cn Monday night. Presentation of a travelling bag was made to Mr Barclay, on behalf of members of the Whangarei branch of theLabour Party by the president (Mr A. W. Adams), who expressed appreciation of the valuable service rendered by Mr Barclay as Member for Marsden, and latterly as Minister for the Crown. Mr Barclay had always held the interests of the people at heart, contended Mr Adams, and when he had been appointed Minister —a position he had filled , with distinction—his capable method of performing Ins duties had won him great regard. This fact had been proved by his appointment as New Zealand’s representative at Canberra. The untiring energy and able assistance devoted by Mrs Barclay had greatly contributed to her husband's political attainments.

Mrs Barclay was presented with a bouquet of flowers and an initialled attache case by Mrs S. L. Quayle. The happiest day of his life would be when the Marsden electorate again returned a Labour Member to Parliament. said Mr Barclay while replying to the presentation. The Labour element of the electorate had had many ups and downs,, and arguments and was at present in the “downs," but he owed much tc the Labour Party of Whangarei for the part it had played in giving him the most interesting period of his life. In Wellington, during his association with his colleagues, as a Member of Parliament and latterly as a Cabinet Minister, the rule always applied to problems was, how would it assist the people who needed assistance the most, Mr Barclay stated. He would remain with the Labour Parly as long as that rule was applied. Referring to the Opposition, Mr Barclay said it was true that when the Labour Party held a meeting in Whangarei it could not collect long lines of streamlined cars outside the hall as could its opponents, but Labour had always received the support of the masses. There was no reason why the Government should not remain for another 11 years. He blamed no one for his defeat at the last general election.

Dealing- with his appointment as New Zealand representative in Canberra, Mr. Barclay said it had been quite unexpected and no one was more surprised than lie had been. After the election and his ultimate defeat, he had gone to the Prime Minister to tender lii.s resignation, but had been asked to conclude Land Sales business before lie resigned. After a holiday, lv> returned to Wellington and had been offered the present position.

Concluding. Mr. Barclay thanked his supporters for all they had done in the past, and for the presentation made to him. Mrs. Barclay also expressed appreciation of the gifts made to her. Items were given by Miss Thora "Warrington (dance), Mrs. Claudia Thornton (dance), Mrs. It. Alexander and D. Alexander (duet), Mrs. Ena Watson (song), M'-s. B. Aid red (song), MisS Zylpha Hamblvn (tap dance), Mr. Des. .Smith (Swiss yodelling). Official accompanist was Mrs. ’W. Price.