FIGHTING FUND

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 85, 7 October 1938, Page 6

FIGHTING FUND

THE LABOUR CAMPAIGN

LETTER TO HOTELKEEPER

(By Telegraph—Pref.9 Association.)

AUCKLAND, October 6.

An appeal to hotelkeepers for donations to the Labour Party's funds on the grounds that they have benefited from the increased wages granted by the Government has been made on behalf of the party by the Auckland Labour Representation Committee.

The "New Zealand Herald" has in its possession the original of a letter sent to the manager of an Auckland hotel by Mr. T. P. McCready, secretary of the Auckland Labour Representation Committee. The letter is dated August 16, 1938.. and the full text is as follows:— i.

Dear Sir,-—Within a few months the country will be faced with a General Election, and ,as it is essential that finance be available to combat antipropaganda . literature, etc., I am appealing to you as a supporter of the Government to assist in this worthy cause. As a result of Labour legislation, workers have been granted more leisure time and more money to spend, and I am sure you will agree that a fair portion of the increased wages has been spent in a manner gratifying to yourself. If you agree with me and are of the opinion that it is in the interests of all that the present Government remain in power, a donation to funds will be appreciated. Ail donations will be acknowledged from this office, but no publication given to same. I will be pleased to call and discuss the matter if necessary. Thanking you in anticipation and with best wishes, yours fraternally, T. P. McCready, secretary."

The letter is written on official paper bearing the letterhead "New Zealand Labour Party, Auckland Labour Representation Committee.

that for regrading £125,000, had been taken, but at the same time, out of surplus of revenue the Department con-ti-ibuted to the Consolidated Fund no less than £255,000. The sum of £125,000 went to improve the conditions of the workers in the Department, but the regrading was overdue, and it must be remembered that during the depression years the Department had out of surplus revenue contributed no. less than £1,500,000 to the Consolidated Fund while members suffered salary cuts. In 1921 they were able to get for the rank and file £325 a year, and for the general division £258. After reinstatements and restoration of salary cuts they were in the position today of having a clerical divisibn in receipt of £305 against £325, and a general division in receipt of £250 against £258, in 1921. Had the conditions of the employees progressed in relation to the Department? They had not, because the Department was one" of the greatest revenue-producing Departments and had been called upon to contribute to the general condition of the country.

The toast of "Parliament" was proposed by Mr. S. A. Ogilvie, principal of the Postal Division, and responded to by Mr C. H. Chapman.

Dancing was resumed after supper until an early hour this morning. The/ function was arranged by the section' committee of the local association, under the chairman, Mr. J. G. Churchill, and the section secretary, Mr, H. Goodall. i