WORKERS' SOCIAL HALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1920, Page 4

WORKERS' SOCIAL HALL.

CELEBRATION OP PURCHASE. A social and dance was held in the Workers* Social Hall last night to celebrate the purchase of the property by the Labor Party of New Plymouth. There was quite a large gathering, and the place was made to look gay and festive with decorations of greenery and bunting of patriotic colors. Mr. W. If. Fitzpatriek, president of the Tarnnaki Workers' Council, presided, and oirered apologies for absence from the Mayor of New Plymouth (Mr. Jas. Clarke), the chairman of the Tarnnaki Education Board (Mr. R. Masters) and the president of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce (Mr. A. Goldwater). He then proceeded to state that the occasion was one for which a number of labor enthusiasts had long worked, and they were very gratified that now the workers of the town had a home of their own, which it was hoped would make for the good not only of the workers themselves but for the whole community. He thanked all those who had assisted in bringing the project to a successful issue, including those outside who had subscribed towards the purchase of the property. Mr. Fitzpatriek said also that steps were being taken to form a branch of the Workers' Educational Association, and '. enough names had already been handed in of those willing to form a class for the study of economics. He appealed to all workers to assist in helping to make this movement a success. The workers wanted something more than | a living wage. They had a right to participate in some of the enjoyments of life. They wanted to carry into every day life the spirit of service for the common good. (Applause). Mr. W. T. Jennings congratulated the workers on having accomplished so desirable an object as providing themselves with a home of their own. He urged them to develop the workers' educational classes to which the chairman had referred, and also to extend the 1 scope of their efforts in this direction by the formation of a debating club, and also music clubs for their own enjoyment. He referred to movements in which he had taken part in years gone by for the betterment of the workers, and particularly of the women workers oi the country. He counselled the cultivation of a strong spirit of comradeship. (Applause). Mr. L. Sim, who was the next speaker made no secret of his political aspirations on behalf of the cause of labor. His expression of regret at the absence of Mr. H. Holland, M.P., from the meeting provoked a round of hearty applause. He said labor was on the side, of humanity, evolution and victory, and those who wanted to he on that side should join the N.Z. Parliamentary Labor Party. He said when "the poor cockatoo" joined the Labor Party he did not know what would become of Mr. Massey and his party. They would be "buried with tho hones of Joseph." Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., a portion of whose speech is reported elsewhere, congratulated the workers on having acquired the hall. He hoped all who could would assist the trustees to make the place the possession of the workers free of debt as soon as possible. He -paid a tribute to the work of Mr. Jennings, who had done a great deal for the cause of labor in the days when it was not always safe to go into a meeting by the front door. He incidentally noted that in acquiring the hall the trustees hoped to make such alterations and improvements as would make it useful for all the travelling entertainers that visited New Plymouth, and if they did that they would render a good service to the whole community. On behalf of the trustees Mr. Smith presented to Mr. Fitzpatriek the first debenture issued in connection with the raising of funds for the purchase of the property, as a mark of the workers' appreciation of his efforts to secure a home of their own. The debenture certificate was suitably framed, and the presentation provoked warm applause. Mr. Fitzpatriek in acknowledging the gift, said it would lie one of his most prized treasures. He was not forgetful, however, that there were a number of other* who had also worked with him for the object which la3t night's gathering celebrated. Mr. Smith then announced the latest information received in regard to efforts to arrange for the Prince of Wales to visit New Plymouth, which was received with applause. I Dancing wns then taken up with onI thusiasm, there being a large number of dniici's present. The music was j provided bv an orchestra of about ten i players, directed by .Mr. B. George. . A I splendid supper was ferved and a very enjoyable evening spent.