N.Z. NATIONAL PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 118, 22 May 1942, Page 3

N.Z. NATIONAL PARTY

ANNUAL MEETING OF DELEGATES RANGITIKEI ELECTORATE COMMITTEE The annual meeting of delegates to the Rangitikei Electorate of the NewZealand National Party was held at Marton on Thursday night, Mr. T. E. Barton presiding over a representative gathering of delegates from nearly all of the branches. Mr. E. B. Gordon, M.P., was also present. President’s Report The president, in his report, referred to the fact that lhe Dominion had passed through a very strenuous year owing to the world war conditions that have prevailed. When it was decided to hold the general election in 1941, the general committee circularised all branches to carry out an intensive campaign to increase the membership and to see that all present members were made financial for the year ending December 31, 1941. There was a fairly good response fiom all branches in the old Rangitikei electorate. The general committee held a meeting at Marton on October 29, when the chief business w-as to obtain the views of the members on the postponement of lhe general election and the consensus of opinion was unanimous that the postponement was absolutely necessary in view of the prevailing war conditions. The general elections were later abandoned. During the year an appeal was made to the committee for its assistance in providing sheep, vegetables, fruit, etc, in order to relieve the strain that is being borne by the Wellington and suburban electorate. As a result of this appeal the electorate was divided into four areas, and a splendid response was obtained through the services of Mr. T. Barton and Mrs. H. R. Gaisford lor the Marton district, Mr. R. O. Dalrymple for the Bulls district, Messrs. V. Horrocks (Makirikiri) and D. Henderson (Fordell) for the western districts, and Mr. V. Smith for the Taihape district. Owing to the proposal to form a National Government being rejected by the Labour Conference, it would appear that we have no option but to prepare our organisation for a general election to be held this year. The report and balance-sheet were approved of. Resignation of Chairman In tendering his resignation as chairman ol the Rangitikei Electorate Committee, Mr. Barton stated that it wa's with deep regret that he had to tender his resignation. He wished it to be understood that this decision was linal and not due to any dissatisfaction, but to circumstances beyond his control. “My association witn all connected with the National Party movement has been a pleasant one, and I hope that at the end of the distressful period in which our Empire ds passing through to again take an active interest in our parly organisation,” concluded Mr. Barton. Mr. V. Smith (Taihape) voiced regret at the resignation of the chairman. Mr. Barton had carried out his duties in a capable and efficient manner. Messrs. R. J. Moore, E. B. Gordon, R. O. Dalrymple, and A. P. Howard also praised the services given by Mr. Barton. Election of Oilicers. The election of oilicers resulted as follows: President, Mr. J. Caithness; vice-president, Messrs. V. Smith (Taihope.i, T. E. Barton (Marlon), B. Horrocks (Makirikiri) and R. Deroles (Rangiwahia); auditor, Mr. D. B. Sladden; delegates to Wellington Division, iViessrs. J. Caithness and V. Horrocks; secretary, Mr. Arthur Way; treasurer, Miss 1< 1.. Wav: executive committee

a Miss r. L. Way; executive committee, H Messrs. T. E. Barton, J. Caithness, G. I B. Gregory, A. P. Howard, R. O. DalK rymple, C. J. Craig, G. Simpson, G. L. Marshall and Mrs. D. Simpson. H It was decided that the chairman- ■ of each branch be a member of B the general committee. Selection of Candidate Confidence was expressed by B several members in Mr. E. B. Gordon, B M.P., and Mr. Gordon was nominated B to represent the party in the event » of a general election. S Mr. Gordon, in replying, Stated that B he had done his best during his term n of office to retain the confidence of S his supporters and thanked the deleB gates lor their continued confidence S m him ?s their representative. S The meeting carried by acclamation S a vote ot conlidence in Mr. Gordon 9 and pledged itself and branches to do 9 everything possible to make sure that 9 the seat is retained for the party al H the election. The General Elections H Mr. Gordon gave an interesting resume ot lhe events that induced the National Party to prepare for a general election. He slated that in $$ view of the decision of the Labour ■* Party Conference to complete its • own’preparations for a general election and, in view of the Prime Minister’s clear indication that lhe election campaign is likely to be of siiort 5 i duration, the New Zealand National S;.:i Party had no alternative but to accept the position forced upon it and H to prepare for a general election as H quickly as possible. The organisation K can accept this decision as the signal |H to commence work immediately on its H preparations for the election. All Ig branches should make a well organH| ised drive for new members and to collect this year’s subscriptions from present members. « During the evening the delegates * were entertained at supper by the Marton women’s section, who were accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation.