THE COMING ELECTIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6622, 11 September 1908, Page 5

THE COMING ELECTIONS

"PATRIOTIC POLITICS ” MEETING OF NEW ASSOCIATION. At a meeting of the Now Zealand Patriotic Political Association held last night, Mr G. Winder was elected a member. It was stated that Mr Winder had considered his position aiid had decided to retire from .lie presidency of the Liberal and Labour Federation and throw in his lot with 11 in new orga n i satio n. The chairman, Mr J. Lewis, said it augured well for the new association. A voice: Patriotism before politics. AN ENCOURAGING REPORT. In opening tho meeting Air Lewis .said that although the organisation was only a few weeks old it was very encouraging to have to report that tho association was making very rapid strides towards success. The formation of the association, had caused a great amount of anxiety to several organisations connected with labour matters in Wellington. Tho objective of tho association was to strive to assist tho various labour organisations as far as the platform would allow of this. It was hoped to deal with matters not only affecting Wellington but with questions affecting everybody—national matters. Ho hoped that before another month passed the association would have some, very interesting information to convey to tho public. A NEW IDEA. Mr 0. de C. Williams gave notice to tnovo at tho next ordinary meeting after tho 17th ir.st: — That tho appointment of the Prime Minister, his colleagues, and all private members should he decided by the majority vote of the whole of the electors of the .Dominion, such course being most conducive to the end of national representation in tho construction of a national policy. MINISTER OF LABOUR.

The Hon. J. A. .Millar, Minister of Labour, wrote in reply to a letter from the association stating that ho would bo very glad to give careful consideration to any representations the association might at any time place before him. The letter concluded In the following terms: “I shall always have the welfare of all classes of the community at heart as long as I have the honour to occupy the position of a member of the Government.” The association will hold a smoko concert next Thursday evening. The Hon. J. Barr wro'to accepting the 1 association’s invitation to give an address. Ho will apeak at the function on the question of ’'Security of employment to all classes of workers.” 'Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., will also give an address at the “smoker.” He wrote stating that the time sUemed opportune for the movement on which the association appeared to be engaged. If he could lend a helping hand he would bo more than satislied.