LABOURITES DIFFER

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1926, Page 1

LABOURITES DIFFER

[by TELEGRAPH —rER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] INVERCARGILL, Juno 21. At a meeting of small shopkeepers to-night called for the purpose of discussing closing hours, the proceedings were considerably enlivened by a very heated dialogue between two. Labour workers, AH G. S. Thomson (Dunedin) and Air AV. .1. Thomas. The incident occurred during an address by AH Thomas who commenced by dealing with a newspaper correspondent who asked how Air Thomson reconciled his present proposal to lengthen the shop hours when he was an avowed champion of shortening t hem.

Mr Thomas protested at this stage, lie said that he did not come to hear a tirade, but an intelligent address on the subject of closing hours.

On being appealed to, the Chairman ruled Mr Thomas out of order. Mr Thomson said that the statements which he was replying to were vital to the movement. ITe read the article in question, and said he had had the same argument put up to him by -Mr Thomas and two other Labour men.

“You’re doing nothing huh slandering people,” interjected Mr Thomas. •‘Why don’t you get on with the subject.” Mr Thomson (dramatically exhibiting a rod badge'sl’m a. member the Labour Party, and I went to Lyttelton jail fighting Massey. If Thomas can sav he done that, then he can call me a traitor and say 1 am insincere if he wishes.” Mr Thomas:—“T fortunately can’t say that.” More than that,” Mr Thomson continued. “ I neither smoke, drinlc nor gamble, though I am in the midst of it all the time.” He added iliat it was a disgrace that beer should ho consumed at Labour meetings. They must clean up the stable.” Mr Thomas:—“You’ll get into sennas trouble if you go on making irrational statements like that.” yfr Thomson, was about to make further remarks, when Mr Thomas said :—“ You’re mad!”

Mr Thomson:—“l saw beer at a Labour meeting last night.” Mr Thomas (angrily):—“You’re a liar! You’re merely a bird of passage from * Dunedin. People here know nothing about you.” The Chairman ruled Mr Thomas out of order again. Mr Thomson Very well. I will let it rest at that. Unfortunately wo have been supplying good copy for tile newspaper.” Later in the evening he assured Mr Thomas that they would part the best n f friends. The rest of the evening passed wtihout further untoward incident. \t the conclusion of the meeting it was decided to form a sub-committee to assist Mrs Taylor, Branch Secretory. of Invercargill, in the work of strengthening the association hero and obtaining support for the petition.