LABOUR POLITICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 70, 23 March 1928, Page 3

LABOUR POLITICS.

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES.

"HIDE-BOUND POLICY."

SUPPORTER'S CRITICISM.

Political activity is noticeable in Labour circles at the present time owing to the fact that the Auckland Labour Representation Committee are calling for nominations, to close early next month, for candidates for the various Auckland seats.

In speaking to an Auckland "Star" representative this morning a prominent worker in the cause of the Labour movement commented on what he termed "the undemocratic constitution" of the Labour party in regard to the selection of candidates. "Conference after conference discusses this particular matter," he said, "and still no alteration is made in a hide-bound conservative policy which excludes many good men from embracing the Labour cause. The only reason I can see for delegates adhering, to the present rules is that many Labour men prominent in the movement are jealous of their rights and privileges and look unkindly upon anybody coming in who might challenge their positions or receive nomination. If the cause is to succeed —and there is now a great opportunity ahead —the ranks of the party will have to be opened wider to men of experience and ability who are now kept out of the party by rules which make it practically impossible for them to join up.

"I will give you an example of the conservative rules in regard to selecting candidates. No person is eligible for nomination who has not been a bona-fide ordinary member of the party for at least two years prior to the date of nomination except a person who satisfies the National Executive that he has given extended service in a Labour party in another part of the British Commonwealth. The following persons are disqualified for nomination: Any person who as a candidate has opposed a Labour candidate; anyone who while a member of the party supports or nominates an opponent of the party; anyone who has been or is a member of the party and who stands as a candidate in a Parliamentary election except under the auspices of the party. The disqualification period is six years.

"Under this constitution a candidate is barred from official nomination even if a progressive but who has had the temerity within a period of six years to contest a seat against official Labour. What we should aim at as a party is to get the best brains into the field as long as we can get good men to sign our platform and stick to it and the long disqualification period shoulu be wiped out. The rule in operation this year will, I feel sure, drive men away from Labour although they could honestly and conscientiously espouse our cause."