MR & MRS B. ROBERTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 December 1943, Page 5

MR & MRS B. ROBERTS

HONOURED AT CARTERTON RECIPIENTS OF PRESENTATIONS LABOUR PARTY GATHERING LAST NIGHT (“Times-Age” Special.) There was a large gathering representative of alf sections of the community at the State Theatre, Carterton, last night when members and supporters of the Labour Party held a gathering in honour of the Minister of Lands and Marketing, the Hon Ben Roberts, and Mrs Roberts.

During the dancing Mr and Mrs Roberts took the opportunity of meeting their many friends. Mr J. M. Nicholls, secretary of the Wairarapa Labour Representation Committee, apologised for the absence of the president. Mr C. C. Kenward (Featherston). He congratulated Mr Roberts on his appointment and spoke of his work in furthering the Labour movement.

Mr C. Holland also spoke of Mr Roberts's service to the Labour Party, and said he had been returned for the Wairarapa electorate in three successive elections. On behalf of the Labour supporters of the district he presented Mr and Mrs Roberts with a pair of fireside chairs.

' In acknowledging the presentation and the complimentary remarks, Mr Roberts said that his experiences in New Zealand had not been all “beer and skitiles.” In past years he had often wondered if the Reform Party candidate could ever be defeated and the Labour Party win the Wairarapa seat. He had been fortunate enough to hold the seat over three contests. Referring to his appointment as Minister of Lands and Marketing, Mr Roberts said he had received many messages of

congratulation —and some of sympathy. It seemed to him, since taking office, that there was a continual stream of deputations to see him. Mr Roberts said he would endeavour to carry out his work to the best of his ability. He thanked all those who had worked for his return as member for the distinct. Mrs W. H. Hall presented Mrs Rob-erts-with a bouquet and expressed the hope that she would spend many happy years in Carterton. Mr and Mrs Roberts were accorded musical honours. Mrs V. J’. Ashton’s orchestra played the music for the dancing and Mr C. Bambry was M.C. A party of Maori entertainers presented action songs.