Mataura LABOUR PARTY

Southland Times, Issue 23000, 21 September 1936, Page 4

Mataura LABOUR PARTY

DEBATE AGAINST GORE MEMBERS Members of the Mataura branch of the New Zealand Labour Party gathered in large numbers for the monthly meeting. Mr James Ingram, president, occupied the chair, and extended a welcome to visitors from the Gore branch who were present to engage in a debate with the local members on the subject, “Is a national superannuation scheme necessary?” Gore took the affirmative, the speakers being Messrs Middlemiss (leader), Shields, O’Byrne and Cooper, while the speakers for the negative were Messrs Ingram (leader), McKelvie, O’Brien and Ramsay. The speakers brought forward many arguments for and against the proposal and, after the summing up by the leaders, the judge, Mr John McDonald, gave the decision to Mataura, by a small margin of points. Mr Middlemiss, Gore, congratulated the winners on their performance and hoped the debate would be the forerunner of many such functions. 57 YEARS WITH PAPER MILLS After having been an employee of the New Zealand Paper Mills at Mataura for 57 years Mr Samuel Stark recently resigned and on Saturday evening in the Stewart Hall he was the guest of honour at a complimentary social given by the management and members of the staff. Some 150 people assembled and a programme of dancing was enjoyed, cards being provided for nondancers. Mr J. Anderson, who acted as chairman, expressed pleasure at seeing so many present to do honour to their guest. Mr D. McGowan, who made the presentation of a wallet of notes, set of pipes, tobacco and matches, said that he had been associated with Mr Stark for about 30 years and had always found him diligent at his work. He desired on behalf of those present to extend best wishes to their guest on his well-earned retirement.

Mr J. Hart, manager of the mills, paid a tribute to Mr Stark as a workman. His was surely a record, said Mr Hart. He had served for 57 years, and it was interesting to record that he had worked in the first mill erected at Mataura. It was pleasing to note that he left in the best of health. Further eulogistic remarks were made by Messrs W. McLean (chief engineer), B. Ostlund and W. Leitch. On rising to reply Mr Stark was accorded musical honours. Hp made a brief acknowledgment of the kindly sentiments expressed and returned thanks for the gifts presented to him. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Mataura Women’s Institute held in the Oddfellows’ Hall. Mrs H. J. Shorter presided. The month’s motto was “Life without friendship is like the sky without the sun.” Many responses were received to the roll call, “Definition of a friend.” A parcel of handicrafts from the disabled soldiers was on sale during the afternoon and at the October meeting mystery parcels will be disposed of. The business transacted at the recent Dominion Conference of Institutes was the subject of a comprehensive report by Mrs Shorter. By invitation Miss Jeanne Scott, of Gore, was present and gave a much appreciated lecturette and demonstration on the care of the hair and'skin, the president returning thanks to the visitor for her efforts. DAIRY FACTORY The intake at the Mataura dairy factory last Thursday aggregated 1200 gallons from 61 suppliers. This total is in excess of the quantity received on the corresponding day last season by some 50 gallons. At present milk is being received daily.