VICTORY SOCIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22755, 16 December 1935, Page 4

VICTORY SOCIAL

GATHERING OF LABOUR SUPPORTERS MR JONES CONGRATULATED Approximately COO people attended the “ Victory Social ” arranged by the Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, which was held in the Town Hall on Saturday -evening, and at an interval in the dancing the opportunity was taken to congratulate Mr F. Jones, M.P., on his appointment to the Cabinet. The Mayor presided over the gathering, and with him on the platform were the Postmaster-general (Mr F. Jones), Mr J. W. Munro, M.P., Mr P. Neilson, M.P., Mr A. Campbell, M.P., and Dr D. G. M'Millan, M.P., whom he introduced to those present. He read a message from the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage), who apologised for being unable to be present and wished the function every success. The Prime Minister added, in his message, that he hoped to pay a visit to Dunedin early in the new year. Mr Cox said that one of the chief reasons for the gathering was to congratulate Mr Jones on his\elevation to Cabinet rank. Mr Jones, he said, was one of the best and most hard-working members of Parliament and thoroughly deserved the honour conferred upon him l’y the Prime Minister, who had handed him the portfolios of Postmaster-general and Minister of Defence. Mrs Ruth then handed to Mrs Jones a bouquet of red roses and a gold wristlet watch on behalf of the South Dunedin branch of the Labour Party, and Mr J. Ruth presented Mr Jones with a portfolio case. In making the presentation, Mr Ruth congratulated Mr Jones and said that he was sure Mr Jones would carry out his duties in a manner that would be a credit to the Labour Party. Mr Jones, returning thanks, said the large attendance at the gathering was a wonderful demonstration of the loyalty of the workers. One of the proudest days of his life was when he was given a place in the Cabinet by the Prime Minister. He realised his responsibility and assured those present that the trust placed in him would not be abused. He paid a tribute to his colleagues, who, he said, were working day and nighty to put into operation as soon as possible the policy of the Labour Party.