NO SUPPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 84, 11 April 1939, Page 10

NO SUPPORT.

LEFT WING GROUP.

LABOUR CONFERENCE.

MR. SAVAGE'S TRIUMPH

POLICT IS ENDORSED. (By Telesrrnph,—Own Corresponrlpnt.) WELLINGTON, this clay. From the annual conference of the Xew Zealand Labour party the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, must emerge a very satisfied leader, convinced of the solidarity of the preponderance of the. trades unions and labour representation committees behind the policy being pursued by the Government. This is the real fact of the deliberations of delegates at the conference yesterday. Tt is no secret there have been undercurrents, and the main point to interest the general public is what the delegates think of the Left Wing movement in the Parliamentary section of the party, and also of the letter alleged to have been written by a leading member of the party strongly criticising the financial policy of the Hon. W. Nash. Short, Sharp Debate. Up to now the press committee of the conference has effectively dimmed the highlights of the discussions and it will continue to do so. It is no exaggeration to describe the position as a conference cloaked in secrecy, but behind the bald official statement that a vote of complete confidence was passed in Air. Savage as leader of the Parliamentary Labour party lies the story of a dramatic debate. While the Prime Minister was making his report on the achievements of the party since it assumed office he not unexpectedly digressed to comment on incidents' that occurred in the first caucus of the party following the general election last year. It is understood that a short, sharp debate ensued, in which some feeling was displayed by one or two speakers, but finis was written to the chapter by '"the conference overwhelmingly reaffirming its confidence amid a demonstration of enthusiasm for and approbation of Mr. Savage as leader of the party. It was a significant fact that there was practically no support in the conference for the so-called left wing faction, and this had the effect of allaying any fears of a split in the party, and undoubtedly paves the way for the Government to pursue a moderate policy of orthodox financing. Complete Vindication. It was largely anticipated that Mr. J. A. Lee. who was considered by many to be leader of this faction would make a bid at the conference to sway the delegates to his way of thinking, but contrary to expectations it is stated that he spoke very briefly, without raising any contentious issues. Another member of Parliament who is regarded as being allied to the faction also spoke, but the trend of the discussion and the vote are regarded as a complete vindication of the Government's policy by the rank and file of the party, and the alleged left wing element* must feel acute disappointment at the triumph of moderate opinion. To put the situation in a nutshell, the outcome of the debate was a wonderful personal tribute to Mr. Savage, who was the dominating figure and accordingly received a striking ovation. The conference is proceeding elowly, its deliberations being delayed by reports by the leaders, addresses, and other routine. It is not expected that the remits will be attacked until late this afternoon, and possibly to-morrow morning.