COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1926, Page 4

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL

TO AIR AND AIRS JAAIES O’BRIEN. There was a good attendance at the Soldiers’ Hall last evening when a complimentary social was tendered to AD- and Airs James O’Brien. The hull looked bright and attractive and the gathering proved a very enjoyable cue. Capital music was provided by Mr C. Ross’ orchestra and dancing proceeded merrily. The Ladies Committee had arranged a ((flinty supper that was fully appreciated and done full justice to. Just he loro supper the opportunity was taken to make a presentation to r.|je- guest of the evening. Mr Neil Warren in his opening remarks referred to the first movement in Hokitika, in which he took part to inaugurate the Labour movement in Hokitika, and lie looked lock with ■pleasure to the fact that it was treiu that small beginning that the movement had grown throughout the distrite. From that little shop in Revoll Street they had worked hard and with much enthusiasm. It had been a

small beginning anil on the first occasion Air O’Brien had not met with a great deal of success. They had continued their efforts and at a Inter election Mr O’Brien had been returned as member for Westland. Though there had been many good men representing this district he could say without the least fear of contradiction that Air O’Brien had proved himself one of the best members th.it AVcstlnnd bad over been represented by. It was a safe thing to say that while AD O’Brien had represented Westland that the West Coast had received more Government grants than it had ff i the last twenty years. But ii was of his work as a representative of the Labour movement they were proud of Air O’Brien. He was not one to court popularity. Ho always stood lorn square to his principles end had worked hard to better the conditions of the workers. He had endeared himself to those connected with the Labour movement by the solid manner in which he had worked. Last election had been fought in a good spirit. They had fought a clean fight and had done thenbest. He would not \blume the Returning Officer, hut. the next time they would work a bit harder and they were wiser now about the intricacies of the electoral Jaw. In conclusion he would wish Air and Airs O lliien long life and happiness, and he trusted "that after the next election he would again be the member for AVcstLintl. On behalf of bis many friends in the district lie asked acceptance as a. small token of their esteem c-f a substantial wallet. (Applause). At Air Witi-ren's call heariy cheers were given for AH- and Airs O’Brien.

Air Jam as O’Brien said he wished to sincerely thank them for their u nil welcome and handsome presentation. Functions of this sort were not bis, forte. In (lie Labour movement Gmy mostly got more kicks than halfpence’. There was one -tiling lie was proud of and that was His connection with the Labour movement. He felt overwhelmed by the many kindnesses he had received at their hands, and the many presents he had received in all parts of tho district. He had made many friends everywhere he went, and though many opposed him in politics he got, great support. He was more sorry for the movement than for himself'that he had not been successful at the last election, particularly for the Labour Party: which though reduced in the number of representatives still had over 30,000 more votes cast for them. He was sure however that in a few years there will be a Labour Government in power m New Zealand who would work for the prosperity of the workers of the country. Referring to the last ; election he regretted that the Tory or Conservative Government had been so strongly entrenched, and pointed out that to-dav they luul more unemployment than for many years, but yet the large companies were paving larger dividends than ever. Even the State Advances Office hail raised the interest on loans advanced to .settlers in spite of the fact, that many or the struggling settlers had been unable to pay their way with the lower rate of interest. He hoped that this stall- of affairs would soon he altered. If he wore fit and well and they selected him to be their candidate again lie would be glad to he with them in tho endeavour to further the best interests :ancl advance tho Labour banner. He was pleased to remember that it was from Hokitika came his nomination as the candidate for Westland. That was in 1918. and since then he had traversed the whole of AVcstlnnd. On behalf of Airs O'Brien land himself he thanked them from the bottom of his heart for thenmany kindnesses, the good things done for him and for their magnificent present.. Everything given to him will be used for the advancement oT the cause of the Labour movement, which desired that those who would work should have plenty of work to do and that those who would not work should be made to do so. In the recent election movement he had done what he thought was for tire best. He hoped that at the next election that decision would be reversed, and that they would carry on as they had done previously.., They cannot defeat the Labour Party, they must conic on all the time. He again thanked them for their kindly feelings that had prompted tho gathering that evening tir.d trusted that he would continue to merit tho confidence they had so generously rested in him. (Applause!. Dancing was then resumed and continued to an early hour.