UNION LEADERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 November 1940, Page 6

UNION LEADERS

MEETING WITH THE KING & QUEEN GIFT OF MOBILE CANTEENS. MEDAL FOR HIS MAJESTY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) RUGBY, November 26. Their Majesties the King and Queen today talked with Trade Union leaders when they inspected 27 mobile canteens handed over to the Y.M.C.A. by the Trades Union Congress President. Mr. Gibson. After the ceremony, Mr. Gibson presented the King with the T.U.C. gold medal. The canteens, with their crews were lined up, and representatives of the various Trade Unions headed by Mr. Gibson, were present. Their Majesties had a long talk with union leaders, and afterwards walked down

the lines of the canteens, spoke with the crews and laughed and joked with the union leaders. Mr. Gibson, making the presentation of the canteens of the Y.M.C.A., said: “They will be used to provide succour to the civilian population, but primarily as an expression of the love and admiration we have for our comrades in the fighting services, and as a guarantee that their comrades in the workshops will provide the necessary instruments of offense and defence until. in the field, factory and workshop, we are able to strike the final decisive blow which will bring peace and victory.” The presentation of the T.U.C. medal took place afterwards in the quadrangle when Mr. Gibson handed the medal to the King saying: “If you feel disposed to visit the Trade Union Congress, this will act as an open sesame.” A special gold badge was struck for this occasion, consisting of a bar bearing the royal arms, from which is suspended a medallion.