MR LEE'S PLANS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 10

MR LEE'S PLANS.

EXECUTIVE SEAT?

CONFERENCE ISSUES.

ASSURANCE IS UNDAUNTED. CRISES OF FAST WEEK. (By Tclfgrnph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. More than once during the sensational proceedings which took place at the Labour party conference this week, the fate of the Government hung in the balance. Events which have been recorded mark one of the most extraordinary passages in the history of the movement. Throughout the proceedings, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, adopted the role of "strong man," and the conference knew that any denial of his right to select his own Cabinet would' have brought his resignation—and wit* his resignation would have gone the resignation of the Government. Mr. Savage would have regarded the passing of the resolution to appoint Cabinet by vote of caucus as a vote of no-confidence in him personally, and he would have acted accordingly. The issue was keenly debated, Mr. Savage winning the day. After surviving this crisis, the conference found itself immediately facing another. This arose when issues between Mr. and the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, on the one hand, and Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P., on the other, came up for discussion. Mr. Savage again gave the conference a clear understanding that the endorsement of the principles of finance propounded by Mr. Lee would be regarded as a vote of no-confidence in Mr. Nash and the other Ministers. Once again there was a threat that resignation by the Government was not far away. This was the factor which influenced the majority of members to give their support to Mr. Savage. More To Be Heard. Though the conference is over, the issues which occupied so much of its time are still alive. Mr. Lee has not gone into retreat; more will be heard from him. Reputed leader of the strong "left wing," he has quite a few plans for the future. The verbal lashing he received during the conference has not undermined his assurance. Mr. Lee is not resentful, but his friends declare he was deeply hurt when the intervention of the Prime Minister near the close of the discussion robbed him of an opportunity of defending himself against the charges made against him. Mr. Lee may have another opportunity of discussing these issues with iiis chief and his critics who occupy -cats in the Cabinet, and this may 'oine sooner than most people realise. Mr. Lee is a candidate for a seat on the national executive of the Labour party, iiid his chances of election are said to i >o favourable. The result of the ballot or this election will be announced next '.veek. Position On Executive. There is no doubt that Mr. Lee, if ■ccted to the executive, will carry the in- right into the camp of the mem"i's of the party who were most anxious > discipline him during the conference, ifo may even have the opportunity of assisting the executive to decide what action it is to take against him, for it is generally understood that the executive is to discuss the issue, which was the cause of the stormiest scenes at the conference. This may be one of the reasons why Mr. Lee's step is as sprightly as ever, and for the swaggering assurance of the man who emerges from this week's conference as an individual the Labour party cannot suppress. There are many who are saying that though victory for the moment is with Mr. Savage, honours in fighting are with the unscarred Mr. lice.

Leader of the extremists, he makes it clear that he has no desire to break up the party. The last thing he wants is a division of forces—but he is ready to fight until he has converted the majority of members to his side.