NATIONALISTS GATHER

Chronicle (Levin), 2 April 1947, Page 2

NATIONALISTS GATHER

Largely-Attended Meeting of Otaki Branch Members of tlie Otaki branch of the National Party met at the A-nglican Hall on Monday mght for their annual meeting. There was a large attendance, and considerable interest shown in the proceedings. Mr. F. H. . Monk occupied the chair, and after the •singing of the National Anthem, with Mrs. H. FTews at the piano', stated that he was pleased to see such a large gathering, and considered that with the same organisation as at the last general election the party would do well. The secretary, Mr. J. D. Avery, after tendering a number of apologies from those unable to be present read the annual report and oalance sheet. which were considered highly satisfactory. In the report feeling reference >was ma.de to the late Mr. M. Coventry, who had been a most useful member of the committee. At this stage Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P., and Mrs. Maher, with their daughter and son-in-law, arrived and were accorded a warm reception. , Mr. Monk made reference to the splendid work carried out by the committee and members in general, which had all been of a voluntary nature. As a result of their efforts organisation had been very satisfactory. Mr. Monk paid tribute to -Mr. Avery for his good work, and referred to "the frightful mess the- Government had made of things." After Mr. Monk had eulogised the work of the ladies of the branch, he invited nominations for the position of chairman.

Officers Elected Mr. Monk was un-m;:noubiy reelected, and received rounds of applause. He extended his thanks for his re-election and stated that he wouid carry out the duties to the best of his ability. He pointed out that owing to pressure of business Mr. Avery did not desire to carry on as secretary and treas- | urer, and invited- nominations for | >ne position. Mr. N. D. Ande-rson was appomt- ! ed amidst applause, and in return- ! ing thanks stated that he would do jhis best. ! The committee elected was as jfollows: — Mesdam.es Elliott, King, McBean, Stewart, Sutherland and [Tews, and Messr?. Avery, Eihpson, ! Hickling, M. Holmes, Jackson, j King, A/IcBean, Stewart, Sutherj land and Townrow. | Air. Avery stated that he was | reluctant to give up the position. ! but he was compelled to do so on i account of pressure of business, ibut stated that if he could be of | any assistance to Mr. Anderson he I would be willing to help.

Mr. Maher's Address Mr. Monk then asked Mr. Maher fco address the meeting. Mr. Maher, on rising to do so, was greeted with applause He stated that he was delighted to see such a flne gathering, and said that he had deserted the Hutt people on this occasion to be present at Otaki. The Hutt electors were also having their annual meeting, but as he lived in the vicinity they had easy access to him at any time. He referred to the friendliness of j such gatherin gs, which reminded [ him of the first occasion he had come to Otaki. In dealing with a recent caucus, which he had attendcd, he stated that he had given his views on various matters of interest, especially dealing with , his" electioneering experiences. Various suggestions'had been made for the good of the party and these would be forwarded to Mr. R. M. Algie at headquarters for mature consideration. Mr. Maher spoke of Otaki's splendid organisation during the election and paid tribute to the work of the ladies. Ple had had good experiences in other places, but had never .encountered such fine organisation as in the Otaki electorate. All -had done wonderful work, especially the ladies, and no doubt they would carry on in the same manner. In dealing with those in charge of polling booths, Mr. Maher considered that all should have knowledge . of their. work at eiection. time. Mr. Maher went on to speak of the industrial unrest which existed throughout the Dominion at ..he present time, and from appear'ances it looked as if some indivIduals were endeavouring to 'wreck ne country. Reference was made to the miners now on strike and the great inconvcnience their action was causing. Towhspeople, he said, were the greatest sufferers. There was now a big shortage of soal and of recent date 16,000 tons nad been lost to the country. The shortage of electricity also affected the country considerably. Mr. Maher referred to conditions on the waterfront today and to the unsatisfactory position over the salvaging of the Wanganella, with the inconvenience the deadlock was causing to travellers who desired to return to their homes. Mr. Maher said the National Party had been told that it was lucky not to be in power at the present time. He differed from that new and stated emphatically that the National Party should be on .the Benches to right matters and clean up the mess. The sooner the party was in. power the sooner thq

couritry would get back to prosperity. He referred to the suffering in England through floods, etc., yet New Zealand had been unable to help, as it should have done due to ships. being held up. These were left unloaded and in eonsequence foodstuffs which should have been sent to England had not gone. Mr. Maher also dealt with Social Security, and said that in his cpinion a slump was coming. It was regretted that people getting as much as £20 a week refused to work, and when a slump. did c.ome it would be due to the insincerity of the Government. When he occupied his seat in the House he intended to raise his voice and speak his mind, and he would tell uhe people of New Zealand the conditions of the country. He would not min.ee matters. Mr. Maher ag'ain thanked thc electors of the Otaki electorate for heir help, and said that Raglan was going to prove a battleground, while Huntly would also have a decided effect on matters that had to happen. Speaking of the railway services, Mr. Maher stated that people could not go on their Easter holidays, due to the upset caused by the miners. The country should not stand for it. The National Party had a good team and there were only the Maoris that held the halance of power. The party was experiencing difficulty in getting ! the Government to meet, and stated that one representative of he Government was in Japan, Mr. Nash was also overseas, while another was in hospital. Those overseas, he maintained, should .have been recalled. In the meanoime Parliament would not meet. Mr. Monk congratulated Mr. Maher on his address, and stated that it was pleasing to see Mrs.Maher, her daughter' and son-in-Law present. An appetising supper was then ^erved by the ladies, after which a fine musical programme followed. Items were given by Miss t Avery and Messrs. Jackson, and Townrow, the accompanists being Mesdames Stewart and Tews. Ladies of the committee were thanked for their able assistance in making the gatbering so sueeessfuL