TRAMWAYS UNION

Southland Times, Issue 22916, 15 June 1936, Page 5

TRAMWAYS UNION

ANNUAL MEETING. ADDRESS BY MR DENHAM. The annual meeting of the Invercargill Tramways’ Union was held in the Trades Hall, Mr R. Woods presiding The president, in moving the adoption of the annual report, stated that the union had had a very successful year. Financially the union was in a very favourable position and the relationship between men and management was very harmonious, also the working of the tramways undertakings was entirely without friction. He would like to thank the secretary for his work and activities in the interest of the union; the success of the union was largely due to Mr Walker’s ability and energy. During the year a general election was held in which a life-member Mr W. M. C. Denham, was elected to represent this city’s interests in Parliament. They were all well aware of the sterling qualities of Mr Denham, and appreciated all that he had done for this union over a period of many years. He had left his mark on their award; in fact some of the clauses were put there by Mr Denham’s hard work. The least they could do was to show their appreciation by seeing that he continued to hold his position. The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mr R. Woods; vice-presidents, Messrs H. Chilton and D. Clark; secretary, Mr T. Walker; treasurer, Mr D. Burns; committee, Messrs A. Fahey, 11. Morrison, S. Perkins, J. Perry and N. Broad; awards committee, Messrs J. Perry, R. Ferguson, R. Woods and T. Walker; auditors, Messrs S. Perkins and J. S. Daniels; appeal representative, Mr W. M. C. Denham. Mr Denham, who was asked to address the meeting, was warmly received. He said that the Government was putting through legislation that would leave its mark in the political history of this country. During the next 10 years New Zealand would, Mr Denham predicted, make more progress than any country in the world as far as a higher standard of living for the people was concerned. Increased wealth would be obtained by exploiting New Zealand’s natural wealth. Mr Denham gave an explanation of the recent Labour legislation passed by the Government.

The following resolution was unanimously carried: “That this union thanks Mr Denham for his clear exposition of, particularly, the I. C. and A. Amendment Act, 19'36. We desire to thank Mr Savage and his Government for the very progressive legislation brought forward by the Govern - ment, and we are 100 per cent, behind the Government in its efforts to solve the many difficult problems confronting it. We wholeheartedly believe in Mr Savage’s sincerity. The commonsense he displays qualifies him for the difficult task he has undertaken.”