P. P. A.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 29 October 1924, Page 5

P. P. A.

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. (Contributed.) A united conference of representatives of the various branches of the association in Taranaki was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Elthain, on Labour Day. There was a large attendance of members, and the conference was of an enthusiastic character. Delegates were present from New Plymouth, Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford* Kaponga, Opunake, Manaia, Okato, Eltliam, and Hawera. Rev. Howard Elliott, Dominion secretary and organiser, was present and dealt with the various phases of the movement. The conference commenced at 11 a.m. and continued until 6 p.m. Various speakers dealt with the following subjects: “The Labour Aspect of the Organisation,” “Our Protestant Heritage,” “Enemy of the Education System,” “Taranaki Electorates and How to Win Them,” “What the P.P.A., Has Done and May Do.” The lastmentioned subject was taken by the Rev. Howard Elliott, who referred to the great work accomplished by the or ganisation in the national, political, social, and industrial life of the Dominion. During the afternoon session Mrs. J. Middleton, the late Taranaki provincial secretary, was presented with a solid leather dressing-case in recognition of her valuable work during the past few years. Rev. Howard Elliott was also the recipient of a handsome travelling rug as a mark of respect and appreciation of his work in the cause of Protestantism and the Protestant Political Association. . The members of the local ladies’ committee provided morning and afternoon tea for the conference, and also supper for the evening meeting. At 8 p.m. the hall was packed to hear the Rev. Howard Elliott’s address on “What makes Protestants fight? Is it principles or prejudice?” Mr. Elliott said that the existence of such an organisation as the P.P.A. argues the existence of real issues concerning the Protestant section of the community. The speaker, iri answering the question “What do we fight?” indicated political Romanism and revolutionary Bolshevism as the declared enemy of the faith, freedom, and traditions of Protestants, and proceeded to outline the principles upon which Protestantism is based, and which compel opposition to its declared enemies. Votes of thanks to all who had contributed to make the function such a pronounced success brought a very busy day to a close. The following resolutions were passedunanimously by the conference: “That this conference of the P.P.A. member? in Taranaki demand that the Minister of Education cause an open and impartial investigation into, all the circumstances connected with the Martin case in the Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, and expresses the opinion that the insinuations of Dr. Cleary make the inquiry most necessary.” “That the Minister-for Education he urged that, in view of the facts alleged i» the Martin case, all teachers employed in State schools, primary or secondary, should be 'graduates of the State primary schools.”