LABOUR PARTY NEWS RAPAHOE BRANCH MEETING

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1948, Page 2

LABOUR PARTY NEWS RAPAHOE BRANCH MEETING

At a well attended meeting on Sunday of the Rapahoe Brancn of the in .2. Labour Barty, in the schoolroom, Mr. E. Quay, President, introduced Mr. S. Gladstone, No. 8 Area Officer, who outlined progress made in the area, which comprises the Marlborough, Nelson, Buller and Westland electoral districts. Mr. Gladstone said he was quite satisfied with the way the workers were rallying to the movement, which left no doubt that Labour would be returned in each of these districts. He stated that the Tories in their propaganda were saying that the Labour Government was on the way out. He went on to quote figures to show that never in the history of New Zealand had there been such a high percentage of votes cast in favour of a Government and that Government had been returned with a majority as small as that of the present Government. That position would be rectified in the 1949 general elections. Mr. Gladstone referred to the wonderful work that young people were doing in organising themselves into Labour Youth Leagues throughout the country, pointing out that the future of the country depended on the part the youth played in the Labour Movement. He made commendable reference to the ability and statesmanship of the younger Labour members of Parliament. He appealed to all to support the workers’ papers, naming the “Grey River Argus”, “Southern Cross and the “Standard.” He pointed out that the great majority of the press of the Dominion did not represent public opinion, but was. in a position to influence public opinion. If public opinion was to be created in the interests of humanity, and not vested interests, the workers all should support the Labour press. Pamphlets were going to be published by the National Executive of the Labour Party to show the work of the Labour Government. It was up to every branch and affiliation to see that these pamphlets were in the hands of all workers. Mr. Gladstone declared that there was only one way to develop this country to capacity and to see that goods and services were distributed in a humane way. It was the Labour Government’s way, and the Labour Party’s democratic way. The Labour Party would fight the Communists as well as the . Tories to achieve a humane way of life in New Zealand. To do this, members must attend their branch meetings. At the conclusion of the address, Mr. Gladstone received a great ovation. „ , Mr. S. Morris, President of the Runanga Branch, accompanied Mr. Gladstone, and was invited to say a few words. He stated that Mr. Fraser, the Prime Minister, and Mr. Nash, Minister of Finance, had done more for the prosperity of New Zealand than any predecessors, while the present Government of the Dominion had shown a better example than any other existing Government. The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanj b to the chair.