THE LABOUR PARTY.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14665, 14 May 1913, Page 5

THE LABOUR PARTY.

: « ■ WHAT WILL HAPPEN. IN JULY?

(special to '*thb prkrs.") WELLINGTON, May 12. Now that the elections are out of the way, the two sections of the Labour Party are free to discuss the coming conferenco in July, which is to bo called to find a basis upon which tho rival factions may be united. This meeting, Ik), which delegates from all trade unions aro invited, is being held in accordance with the resolution of the ooiiftirence which met in tho •'Maoriiand Worker" offico in January, at which a "basis of unity" for the United Federation of Labour and Social Democratic Party, ivhich tho Foderationiits persuaded the delegates was tho proper name to call the proposed new party of unity, was adopted. A few unions have - already decided not to be represented at tho July conference, and a few others havo appointed delegates and instructed them to support nothing but'the platform of tbe United Labour Party. It is probable that many more uuious, especially unions of skilled workers, will similarly instruct their representatives, or wiil decide simply not to be_ represented at all.

Already rumours are in circulation as to the probable outcome of the meeting. It is said, for instance, that some of tho United Labour Party nieii, who seemed to swallow the Federation's syndicalist doctrines at the January conference, havo recanted to an cs** tent, and that they wiil now vote to re tai v the old Unity Party's constitution and platform. It is stated even that the Arbitration delegates will be in a majority at the conference, and that Messrs "Sempie, Webb, Hickey and Co. will be out-voted. Whatever happens, however, tho conference will not extinguish tho Federation of labour. Such, at least, is the general opinion, but in default of the necessary evidence as to tho intentions of the general body of Unionists, the possibility is still open that the Federationists will assimilate all but an _ inconsiderable residue of tho United Labour Party.