Interrupted Food Despatch

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 34, 2 April 1948, Page 5

Interrupted Food Despatch

Labour Branch President On Industrial Unrest In presenting his report to the annual meeting of the Whakatane branch of the Labour Party, the president, Mr R. Riddell, made reference to the world-wide industrial unrest and deplored the continual interruption in the despatch overseas of this country’s primary produce. Judged from newspaper reports, he said, the matters in dispute were not infrequently of very great moment and the resultant negotiations were not conducted in a spirit of tolerance by either party. Tribute was paid by Mr Riddell to the improvement effected by the Labour Government in salaries, wages and working conditions since their assumption of office. , Whilst this might not be realised fully by the younger generation, he said, those who had had experience •of the depression under the political party now in Opposition were in a position to appreciate the freedom of approach to the Government and the sympathetic treatment received. The president, secretary and treasurer were re-elected unopposed and a strong committee of enthusiastic workers in Labour’s cause was elected for the ensuing year. The finances of the branch reflect .a satisfactory position and arrangements for social activities throughout the coming year were delegated to the Social Committee which sponsored some successful functions during the term concluded. Due to the lighting restrictions further matters of local importance were held over for discussion at the next monthly meeting. A representative gathering .of members of the Whakatane branch of the New Zealand Labour Party and those interested in the movement attended.