MR. P. BLANCHFIELD NEW L.R.C. PRESIDENT

Grey River Argus, 10 April 1948, Page 2

MR. P. BLANCHFIELD NEW L.R.C. PRESIDENT

Mr P. Blanchfield was elected president of the Westland L.R.C. at the annual meeting last evening, defeating the sitting president, Mr W. Green, in a ballot. There were no contests for the other positions, and the following officers were elected: — Vice-president: Mr S. Gladstone. Secretary-treasurer: Mr J. F. Laing (re-olected). Auditor: Mr J. Walton (re-elected). Executive: Mrs Pfahlert, Messrs M. Powell, H. Tibbles, S'. Morris, F. Fitzsimons, W. Green and M. Devlin. Mr Green's work as president over the past two years was appreciatively referred to by a number of speakers, and a minute of appreciation was recorded. The formation of a Junior Lacour League in Greymoutii was approved, and Mr Warren Freer, M.F., is to be invited to visit the district. Strong support was given the suggested establishment of a coal briquetting plant at Stillwater, and Mr J. B. Kent, M.P., the Minister of Mines, the Hon. A. McLagan, and local bodies are to be asked to consider the project.

North Canterbury Secretary Defeated CHRISTCHURCH, April 9. Mr John Roberts was re-elected president of the North Canterbury Labour Representation Committee at the annual meeting of the committee last evening. The attendance was the largest for many years. Mr Roberts received 73 votes which gave him a big majority over the next candidate. The other nominees for the office were Messrs T. Martin, H. McCaw, J. Mathison, M.P., G. Manning and R. T. Newman. Of the seven candidates for the office of vice-president, Messrs T. Marlin (78 votes) and F. L. Langley (60) polled the best. Mr Martin was therefore elected on the final count. Mr Langley was vice-president last year. Mr J. L. Laby beat Mr A. B. Grant by 75 votes to 66 in the election for the_ secretaryship. The counting of the preferential votes for the executive had not been completed last evening.