THE LABOUR CAUSE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18004, 26 April 1930, Page 9

THE LABOUR CAUSE.

POPULAR ADHERENT. MR GILMOUR FAREWELLED. ' ! GATHERING AT FRANETON. The members of the Hamilton branch of the New Zealand Labour Party gave a most enjoyable entertainment in the form of a surprise party at the residence of Mr and Mrs G. Gilmour, King Street, Frankton, on Wednesday evening, the occasion being the pending departure of the family for Auckland. The president' of the local branch (Mr P. Gavan) was called on to make a presentation of a travelling rug to each of the guests, and in doing so expressed his pleasure in being called upon to do honour to such stalwarts of the movement, though the departure of these loyal workers tinged pleasure with regret. Mr Gilmour’s activities in the Labour interests ha'd extended over many years; he had held several executive positions, and in the past year, which-included the general election period, be was president of the local branch. As chairman of election committees numerous tasks awaited him, tasks which entailed hard work and sacrifice; but be had carried out those duties pleasantly and unflinchingly. Mr Gilmour well earned the compliments that could be paid and the gifts they were bestowing. • While Mr Gilmour’s duties in connection with the party took him away at all hours, Mrs Gilmour had to make a corresponding sacrifice. On behalf of all local members of the Labour Party he wished Mr Gilmour and his family health, wealth and happiness in their new home in Auckland, and he was certain they would be well received in the Labour ranks, and would be decided assets to the party there. Applause and the singing of “They are jolly good fellows” followed. Mr Gavan’s remarks were endorsed and supplemented by Messrs J. H. Terry, W. H. Johnston, W. Hayes, R. B. Boswell, W. J. Lewis, J. Hardcastle, and H. Eastwood. Apologies were .received from Messrs W. Lee Martin, M.P., W. Riddell and Miss Greville (Fabian Society). Mrs Lewis then presetned a magnificent bouquet to Mrs Gilmour, with best wishes for her success and happiness in Auckland. (Applause. )-

Mrs Elvey also spoke. Mr Gilmour, who was loudly applauded on rising to reply, thanked the donors for the gifts and expressions of goodwill and wishes for his and his family’s' future. He regretted leaving Hamilton, where he had resided for so many years, and where he had made so many friends, both in the Labour movement and outside it. It had been a pleasure to work with his committees. Referring to last election, he said he was proud to have been associated with Mr F. W. Schramm and all those who worked so well without dissension. After paying a w'arm tribute to the work of. the ladies Mr Gilmour said he would never forget his Hamilton friends. Mrs Gilmour also returned thanks.

' A high-class musical programme was rendered and a jolly evening terminated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”