PATRIOTIC AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 24281, 24 August 1942, Page 2

PATRIOTIC AFFAIRS

SUB-ZONE COMMITTEE MEETING

A meeting of the Dunedin-St. Kilda Subzone Committee of tbc Otago Provincial Council was held Ibis morning, Mr A. C. Cameron presiding. - ’.the Chairman reported that Messrs G. W. Lane, W. Jenkins, W. R. Sinclair, N. D." Anderson, R. D. .Stewart, Roy Herbert, aiid ho had carried out the proposed visit to tho Services Club, and had been met by the mayoress (Mrs A. H. Allen), Mrs Gerald Fitzgerald (chairwoman of the Services Club Commit Ice), and by several members of Ibo executive. The ladies bad shown (bom over the club and had given an insight iulc- the problems of catering for the needs of members of the forces. Mr Cameron said that the deputation bad been ■n-oatly imnresscd with the splendid team work displayed by the large number of women’s organisations which supply helpers, and with the obvious friendly and homely atmosphere of the club. Members of tho deputation bad asked numerous questions regarding the running of the club, and it was evident that the ladies’ executive was very much alive to changing problems which from time to time presenter! themselves. Every member of (he deputation (concluded Mr Cameron) left with the feeling that the ladies responsible for tho running of the club are join"- a splendid work and that they deserved the enthusiastic backing of tho wfiole community. , Remarking that he was still of the opinion that tho club was not at a satisfactory place, Mr Roy Herbert said also that he felt that the workers were not receiving enough recognition for the work they were doing. A discussion winch followed was taken in committee. NATIONAL PATRIOTIC DRIVE. In connection with this matter, tho Chairman said that the publicity which was asked for for some months had been splendid, but so far as the comforts coupons had been concerned in Dunedin, these had arrived too late and had been a complete wash-out. It was a pity, ho said, that, when entering on the last month of the campaign, and after going for 11 months, advertising matter which could have been of great help was just coming to hand now. que£n carnival. Extending very cordial congratulations to Mr Herbert and Mr Richards for the wonderful results achieved from the Queen Carnival, Mr Cameron said that the members of his committee greatly appreciated tho splendid assistance received through the various Labour organisations in tins city. A very fine spirit of camaraderie had been shown. Both he and members of his committee had learnt to appreciate the worth of members of the Labour committees, and he ventured to say that this was reciprocated. Ho hoped that this same spirit would pervade all efforts in this community, both during and after the war. “ Personally,” concluded Mr Cameron. “ I have made some firm friends, and I have little doubt that these friendships will continue.” AN APPEAL. In his reply Mr Herbert said that the results had exceeded what was anticipated. He praised tho women of the Labour movement for the hard work they had put into the effort. It was these people in the background who deserved public thanks. He continued with an appeal to the committee, stating it was his opinion that they would get nowhere so long as they kept employees from the administrative table. He asked for support for extra representation, and said that the trades unions were a body of 26,000 members, and yet they were allowed but one representative. Mr Richards endorsed all Mr Herbert had said. He remarked that during the carnival a degree of unity had been reached between employer and employee, and it would be a shame to allow this to go out of being. There had been hundreds of workers in tho campaign without one discordant note. On being asked, Mr Herbert said he felt that they should have four representatives. Mr „D. Cardigan spoko in support of tho views expressed. Mr W. G. Kindley agreed that it was the people in tho background who frequently did the hardest work. He said that tho present set up of the committee did leave room for more Representation of the workers’ movement. Mr Cameron asked that his assurance bo accepted that at the first meeting of the Patriotic Council he would see that the representations were put into effect. A motion was then moved by Mr Kindley and carried. It was to the effect that this meeting records that consideration he given to the request that fuller representation be given to the trade union movement on the Patriotic Council. PRISONER OF WAR EFFORT.

It was reported that the next big drive is to be a silver coin one conducted by the postmen next Saturday, when it was hoped to collect £2,000. About 80 Boy Scouts in uniform are to help with the effort. It was proposed and agreed that the postmens’ drive and continued operations until completion of the quota be known as the Prisoners of War effort. On the motion of Mr Cameron appreciation was expressed to the Forbury Park Trotting Club for handling tho trotting meeting last Saturday. Appreciation was also expressed to Colonel Jeffery for making the Army vehicles and guns available last week for public exhibition and for the military display presented at Tahuna Park,