THE LABOUR PARTY.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15353, 29 September 1923, Page 4

THE LABOUR PARTY.

MR HOLLAND ENTERTAINED. At the Trades Hall last evening, Mi) 11. E. Holland, M.P., leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party, was tendered a banquet by the Hamilton Labour Representation Committee. Tho chair was occupied by Mr F. Carr, president of the L.R.C., and there was a representative gathering. The chairman proposed the principa/l toast, that of “The Parliamentary Labour Party," coupled with tlie name of the leader, Mr Holland. Mr Carr paid a high tribute to the party and Mr Holland.as leader. The toast was supported by Mr R. E. Taylor, who emphasised the impetus that would ba given to the local Labour movement by Mr Holland's visit. The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Mr Holland expressed his gratification with the reception accorded himself. He congratulated the local movement on the splendid vote at thq general election recorded for M? Richards. He stressed the fact that only by processes of knowledge oould they hope to succeed. No Labouii 1 Party could rise above the intellectual level of the rank and file, and therefore! it must be the aim of everyone of then* to build up on a ground of know-* iedge. He was confident that nextjj election Hamilton could be won foq Labour, which while not recognised officially as the Opposition was still tha only effective Opposition in the Parflia-C ment. Referring to the late 6itdngsL he said they v/ere not only ruining th(| health of the members but resulted itf the work of the House being “slum-* med,” and the Labour Party proposed to take the most effective steps to pus an end to the practice. He hazard-* cd the opinion that tlie present Parlia j ment would run its full term. At tlia same time his advice was to be ready,; to enter a contest at short notice'.'‘Me Holland was repeatedly applauded.

The toast of “The Visitors” wast proposed by Mr W. Shaw, and re* sponded to by Mr R. W. Davidson, of the Palmerston North L.R.C., and Mr Aj. F. Richards, president of Auckland L.R.G.

Mr T. E. Waters proposed “Thd| Ladies,” and Mr E. Ansel responded. , Mr J. Loughlin, sen., vice-president of the L.R.C., proposed the toast of “The Press,” and commented upoßj the very fair treatment which the Labour movement had always received from the Waikato Times. During tha election campaign Mr Richards had been more fairly reported by tha Times than any other Labour candi-* date by the non-Labour Party press. Both Mr Collings and Mr Holland had also been excellently reported. Mr F. J. Payne presided at the piano* and .contributed special items. Vocal items were contributed by Messrs CL Du Gay, G. R. Robinson and F. Carr,and Master Gilbert Gilmour. Cornell solos were rendered by Master J. Lee. All the performers were accorded en-i cores.

An enjoyaMe evening was brought to a close well on towards midnight with the singing of ‘"Auld Lang Sync,’* and hearty cheers for the Laboud movement and Mr Holland.