SOUTHLAND TRADES COUNCIL

Southland Times, Issue 24115, 2 May 1940, Page 5

SOUTHLAND TRADES COUNCIL

CONFIDENCE EXPRESSED IN GOVERNMENT

A motion expressing loyalty to the Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser) and to the Government, was passed at the annual meeting of the Southland Trades Council. The motion, which was moved by the president, Mr W. K. Cameron, was as follows: “That the Southland Trades Council expresses its loyalty to the Hon. P. Fraser and congratulates him on his election as Prime Minister and assures him and his Ministers that the council is wholeheartedly with the Government and pledges its continued support.” Nearly 10,000 unionists affiliated to the New Zealand Federation of Labour were represented by the 32 delegates present. Reference to the death of the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage was made by the chairman and a motion of condolence was carried. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr W. K. Cameron (re-elected); vice-president, Mr D. Harris (re-elected); secretary and treasurer, Mr D. W. Stalker (re-elect-ed); committee, Messrs J. Edwards, S. Anderson, M. W. Grantham, W. Pickford; T. Douglas, E. Rillstone and E. Norris; national councillor, Mr D. W. Stalker; disputes committee, president, vice-president, secretary and Messrs T. Douglas and M. W. Grantham; auditor, Mr M. W. Grantham (re-elected); delegates to Patriotic Committee, Messrs S. Anderson, D. Harris and M. W. Grantham Representative on recruiting committee, Mr J. Edwards. Reports on the recruiting committee’s activities were given by Messrs Edwards and A. C. Smart. It was hoped the council would be able to provide speakers for recruiting meetings. Messrs Harris and Anderson described the work of the Metropolitan Patriotic Committee and referred to the gesture made by some workers, who were giving a penny in the £ from their wages to patriotic funds. The secretary explained the remits to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Labour and reported on the result of the meeting. Provisions in the Social Security Act applying to workers, particularly those referring to medical services, were fully discussed. Mr Cameron pointed out that there had been no time to discuss this subject at the annual meeting, but he assured delegates that it was receiving the attention of the Government.