GALATEA PARS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 21, 28 April 1947, Page 4

GALATEA PARS

NATIONAL PARTY MEETING MR W. SULLIVAN’S ADDRESS The annual general meeting of the branch took place in the bakehouse Murupara, on Friday, April 18. Mr J. Wilson' presided over a large attendance. Visitors to the branch meeting were Mr W. Sullivan, M.P., Mr K. Welsh, Electorate Secretary, and Mr Butler, Chairman of the Bay of Plenty Electorate. The chairman reported on the past

lhe chairman reported on the past, year’s activity of the branch and ended his report by thanking all the willing workers for their keenness and help. Mr Welsh addressed the meeting dealing in detail with the financial side of the Electorate’s affairs which showed a very reasqnable state considering the past year’es expenses which included the election. He stressed the need for the branch to keep its members in readiness for immediate action should the need arise at some future time. He gave helpful information and advice to the branch members in dealing with election day arrangements. In dealing with a suggestion put forward by Mr Bensen that a Junior section of the branch should be formed, Mr Welsh fully supported the idea and dealt in detail with the possibilities for the future, that the formation of such junior sections of the' party, would create. The speaker on resuming his seat was given a hearty round of applause. Mr Butler in speaking on the formation of the junior section wholeheartily supported Mr Welsh. In dealing with matters arising in the Bay Electorate during the past year Mr Butler remarked that the candidate, Mr Sullivan, had not been an expensive one.

At the commencement of his. address Mr Sullivan thanked the branch officers and all the workers for their support. He dwelt at length on the labour troubles and 'disputes so frequent at the present time showing. how the Government had in most cases given in to the demands oi strikers and various organisations; how Arbitration Courts are being overridden by Tribunals and Commissions, and in some cases direct approach to Ministers of the Crown; how futile it was to expect the present regime to continue to the ultimate end of a progressive and stable country. Mr Sullivan informed his listeners that if the Government were prepared to stand for Law and Order that his Party would support them fully to attend that end and if not the maximum opposition would be voiced. He further dealt with the depreciation of our paper currency during the past few years; the possibilities of by-elec-tions in the future and other political matters.

He was given a greatf ovation on resuming his chair and a vote of thanks was accorded the three speakers and one also accorded the chair. After the chairman had declared the meeting closed, supper, was provided by the ladies and a sociable hour or so enjoyed by the members. The election of officers for the forthcoming year were as follows: Chairman, Mr J. Wilson; secretary, Mr H. Mitchell; while a working committee of some 14 members were also elected. Junior Section Planned Keenness is now being shown by some members of the. National Party to form a junior section in the district. One member has offered a substantial donation to help provide funds for the social side of such a section. A suitable room has been offered for their meetings and also as a club room for conducting indoor recreation. It would indeed be interesting to see just how the young people are capable of managing their own affairs because once the section is formed the odder people will hand over completely to the young members but will always be ready to give help and advice if called upon. In other districts these, junior sections have achieved remarkable successes and conducted their section admirably.