Mataura LABOUR PARTY

Southland Times, Issue 23179, 21 April 1937, Page 11

Mataura LABOUR PARTY

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Mataura Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, was held in the band room, Mr James Ingram presiding over a good attendance of members. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the chairman reviewed the activities of the branch during the past year and expressed the hope that the splendid progress made, would be maintained increased during the incoming year. The speaker also dealt with the legislation passed by the Government during last session, making special reference to the Reserve Bank Bill, the I. C. and A. Amendment Act, the Primary Products and Marketing Acts, and the Mortgagors’ and Lessees’ Rehabilitation Act. These and other policy matters were reviewed. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:— President, Mr James Ingram (re-elected); vice-president, Mr L. McKelvie (reelected); secretary and treasurer, Mr D. O’Brien (re-elected); executive; Messrs J. White, G. Robson, H. Wedge, A. Philip, A. Lloyd, and J. Mclntosh; delegates to Labour Representation Committee, Messrs L. McKelvie and D. O’Brien.

The future activities of the branch in the electorate received particular attention. That the social side was not being neglected was evident* from the number of suggestions and recommendations made by the members present. It was decided that future meetings of the branch be held on the third Thursday in each month. The annual report was as follows:— The greatly increased membership of the branch for the past year is very gratifying—the branch closing the year with a record membership—the figures being greatly in excess of any returns since the formation of a branch of the Labour Party at Mataura in 1919. At the monthly meetings, good attendances have been the rule and the keen interest and enthusiasm displayed by members in the activities of the branch augers well for future progress. During the year, Mataura was visited by Mr W. M. C. Denham, M.P., for Invercargill, and Mr A. G. Osborne, M.P. for Manukau, who delivered addresses on the Labour Government and its achievements. These addreses were very much appreciated and it is hoped the services of other labour members will be available in the incoming year. Our thanks are due to Mr James Ingram who delivered an address to members on local body administration and to Mr George Robson who spoke on the Post and Telegraph Department. These subjects were ably handled and proved both interesting and instructive. Teams from the Mataura and Gore branches of N.Z.L.P. engaged in two debates on topical questions during the year. Apart from the educational value of these debates the personal contact and social side is equally valuable and more functions of a similar nature can with advantage to the party, be ar-. * ranged in the future. The formation of a Labour Representation Committee in the Mataura electorate, was accomplished recently and will result, it is hoped, in closer co-operation between branches and in more effective organization. No report would be complete without an expression of the Branch’s thanks and appreciation to the Government for the splendid legislation already placed on the statute book. Much remains to be done to achieve the ultimate objective of the Labour Party, but with the continual support of members—of which, in so far as the Mataura Branch is concerned, the Government may rest assured—the goal will eventually be reached. DRUIDS’ LODGE The fortnightly meeting of the Mataura Druids’ Lodge was held in the Oddfellows’ hall on Tuesday evening. Arch Druid Bro. H. Keen presided over a splendid attendance of members. One new candidate was initiated into the order. Two candidates were nominated for initiation. The lodge then commenced a series of euchre tournaments. There was a good attendance of the public and the prizes for the evening were won by Mrs Renshaw and Mr H. Keen. Consolation prizes were awarded to Mrs J. Hardie and Mr J. Richardson. DANCE RECITAL A packed house greeted the opening night of Mr W. Martin’s dance recital which was held in the horticultural hall. This recital was Mr Martin’s initial venture and judging by the applause which greeted each item it was an undoubted success. From the overture by the orchestra until the final curtain there was not a dull moment. Much praise is due Mr Martin for the time and patience expended in bringing the performance to the standard of excellence it attained. The beautiful frocks, graceful dancers and artistically decorated stage made a very charming picture. The orchestra, comprising Misses E. Duncan (piano), N. Bums (violin), Messrs T. Major (violin), A. Russell (French horn), D. Russell (double bass) and C. Healy (effects) also contributed in a large measure to the success of the function. The programme was as follows: — Overture, “The King’s Herald”; Highland fling, junior pupils; toe dance (I Know Every Little Star), Dot Gourley; solo, “A Heart that’s Free,” Mrs O. E. Hubener; waltz tap ballet, senior pupils; spectacular dance (Last Round-Up), J. Mclntosh; solo, “Muleteer of Malaga, Mr Dave Russell; dance duo (Me and my boy friend), D. Gourley and C. O’Brien; gavotte (To a Minature), May McKinnon and A. McGillivray; toe dance (A New Hat), Avis McKelvie; dance duo (The Stolen Treasure), Winnie Wards and Eunice Sleeman; ballet (American tap), senior pupils; solo, “Waiata Poi,” Mrs 0. E. Hubener; tap duo (The High Hatters), Mary Chamberlain and Pat O’Brien; group ballet (The Little Dutch Mill), junior and tiny tots ballet; Dutch duo, Edna Gourlay and J. Mclntosh; soloist, Ann McGillivray; overture, “Shoulder to Shoulder”; gavotte (Rendezvous), Etta Grant and Sylvia Calder. Soloist: Mrs Hubener. Cupid: D. Gourlay. Gardener: W. Martin. Toe dance (A Bowl of Roses), Avis McKelvie; tap duo (When I grow too old to dream), Edna Gourlay (bride). C. Bristow (bridegroom), Danhne Philip (bridesmaid). J. Mclntosh (best man), Dot Gourlay (flower girl) and J. Bristow (parson); operatic (Rose Ballet), senior pupils; eccentric

dance, Sylvia Calder and W. Martin; character dance (Alice Blue Gown), Edna Gourlay (soloist, May McKinnon); solo, “Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life,” Mrs Hubener; tap trio (The Three Tappers), A. McKelvie, D. Gourlay and W. Martin; ballet (Gypsy Tea Room), senior pupils (soloist, Ann McGillivray); toe dance (Moon Moth), Anna Hamill; character dance (Policeman’s Holiday), J. Mclntosh; solo, “The Road to the Isles,” Mrs Hubener; toe dance (Pot of Gold), Dot Gourlay; naval ballet (finale), senior pupils; solo, “Shipmates O’ Mine,” Dave Russell; solo dance, W. Martin.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ GATHERING Upwards of 50 members of the Mataura Returned Soldiers’ Association met in the Stewart Hall on Saturday evening at a smoke concert, to bid farewell to a fellow member, Mr T. Mitchell who has been transferred to Dunedin. Mr D. Gilchrist chairman of the association, presided. In his opening remarks Mr Gilchrist stressed the good work of Mr Mitchell during his stay in Mataura, especially during his term as a member of the executive. On behalf of his Digger friends he then asked him to accept a small gift as a memento of his sojourn in Mataura. Mr G. L. Gerken, secretary of the Gore association, expressed regret that Mr Mitchell was leaving the district as the association would lose a valued member. . Mr F. N. Downard congratulated Mr Mitchell on his promotion to postmaster at Moray Place, Dunedin. He had been a member who had always endeavoured to treat a returned soldier well. Being a civil servant, Mr Mitchell was in a different position from most of those present. His was only a temporary trench which could not be made too comfortable, then he had to move on. He concluded by saying that Mr Mitchell would be missed by the executive. Mr Clearwater also stressed the good points of their guest and mentioned his work for children’s Christmas cheer in which he had been ably assisted by Mrs Mitchell. . Mr L. McKelvie added his congratulations to Mr Mitchell on his promotion. The asociation had been very fortunate in having Mr Mitchell on the executive. In anything pertaining to R.S.A. matters, Mr Mitchell was always to the fore. He wished both Mr and Mrs Mitchell every success. Mr W. Paterson, speaking as a member of the executive, endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks and added his regret at the departure of Mr Mitchell as he would have been next year’s president and he had looked forward to seeing him in that position. Mr I. Cullen, secretary of the Mataura association, said that he Personally would miss the help of both Mr and Mrs Mitchell as they had not failed him whenever called on in an emergency. Mrs Mitchell was a great supporter of the R.S.A. and her help was invaluable. Other speakers were Mr A. Cockbum and Mr J. Mclntosh. On rising to respond, Mr Mitchell was accorded an ovation. He said he appreciated the honours that had been done him and thanked those Present for their very handsome gift. He had always tried to do his best for the Digger. He made special mention of the good work of Sister Scott as a member of the executive and paid tribute to the secretary for his ready assistance at all times. He thought the Mataura asociation was very fortunate in having Gore as its parent body and m conclusion, wished the association every success# During the evening, items were contributed by Messrs J. Dee, E. Cameron, R Pryde, L. H. Bowers, W. Paterson, R. Wilson, D. Gilchrist, J. Robson and T. Mitchell.

HOCKEY Wyndham A. and B. teams journeyed to Mataura on Saturday and played friendly matches with Mataura teams. At half time Mataura A was leading by four goals to one, but in the second half Wyndham attacked strongly and rattled on three goals in quick succession the game ending in a win for Mataura by five goals to four. For Mataura, goals were scored by J. Adam (4) and E. Renshaw (1) while Strang (2) and Sinclair (2) scored for Wyndham. , ~ , . -In the junior match, Wyndhams team was composed almost wholly of young players and Mataura had. a fairly comfortable Win, the scores being Mataura 5 Wyndham 0. DANCE AND CARD EVENING The Anglican Young People’s ' Club held their fortnightly dance and card evening on Saturday. There was an excellent attendance of the public and an enjoyable time was spent. The winners of the cards were Miss Taylor 1, Mrs Chamberlain 2. Consolation prizes were awarded to Mesdames Botting and Renshaw. The winners of the lucky spot waltz were found in Miss Parker and Mr O. Bolger. The music was supplied by Mrs W. McLeod while extras were played by Mr Williams (accordeon). Mr A. McGregor was M.C. RUGBY FOOTBALL On Saturday, Mataura and Wyndham second grade Rugby teams met on the Mataura grounds, the game ending in a decisive win for the home team by 34 points to nil. Wyndham was able to field only 13 players. The play was ragged at times and poor passing among the backs of both teams was very noticeable. The teams were.

Wyndham.—Enright, Lines, McKenzie, A. Kiddy, H. Kiddy, A. Burges, C. Burges, Marshall, Harper, Hagan, Andrews, Findlay, Milne. Mataura. —Shaw, Major, Henderson, Clearwater, Scott, Redman, Allison, Baldwin, Folster, Monaghan, Gaudion, Johnston, Adam, Hannah, Davis. Mataura kicked off, and carried play to Wyndham territory, the ball going out at the comer. From a scrum near the line Wyndham was awarded a free kick. Wyndham failed to find the line and was penalized shortly after. Allison took the kick and with a nice shot, opened Mataura’s score. Mataura 3, Wyndham 0. From the kick-off, Wyndham carried play to Mataura’s 25. Wyr.dham was awarded a free kick, but the shot at goal went wide. From a throw-in, Wyndham knocked on and from the ensuing scrum, Mataura broke away. The ball was kicked to the Wyndham full back, who fumbled and Hannah, coming up fast, snapped up and dived over near the corner. The shot at goal failed. Mataura 6, Wyndham 0. Shortly afterwards, from a scramble near the Wyndham line, Allison picked up and scored well out. The try was unconverted. Mataura 9, Wyndham 0. From the kick-off, a scrum resulted, and the ball came out to Hannah who passed to Allison. The ball then went to Clearwater, who scored at the corner. Mataura 12, Wyndham 0. Play see-sawed up and down the field for a time, Wyndham attacking strongly but bad passing spoilt its chances. Another forward rush took play to Wyndham territory, where

Allison secured and passed to Shaw, who scored well out. Half time sounded with the scores: Mataura 15, Wyndham 0. Wyndham attacked on the resumption and, carrying play up field, had Mataura defending its line, where a force down resulted. From a scrum near the Wyndham line, Allison tried to go through on his own, but was brought down. From a loose scrum, Monaghan broke away and scored in a handy position, Hannah converting. Mataura 20, Wyndham 0. From a throw-in, Wyndham secured and carried play to Mataura’s line and in a race for the ball Mataura forced. From the kick off, Mataura carried play to the other end of the field where Davis scored. Hannah converted. Mataura 25, Wyndham 0. Mataura scored again within two minutes, Hannah’s shot at goal going wide. Maatura 28, Wyndham 0. From a scrum, the Wyndham halfback hooked nicely and set his backs in motion, play being carried to Mataura’s 25, the ball going out at the corner. From the throw-in Mataura secured and play was carried to the Wyndham goal line, where Folster dived over. The try was not converted. Mataura 31, Wyndham 0. Just on time, Baldwin dived over a scramble near the line and the game ended: Mataura 34, Wyndham 0. Mr J. Calder was referee.