FEDERATION OF LABOUR

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23299, 8 April 1941, Page 6

FEDERATION OF LABOUR

CONFERENCE OPENS TO-DAY (P.S.S.) WELLINGTON, April 7. Between 250 and 300 delegates will attend the fourth annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Labour, which is to open to-morrow in the Trades Hall, Wellington, Mr A. McLagan, president, will be in the chair. The proceedings are expected to last three days. Nearly 197,000 trade unionists will be represented at this conference. There will be 92 remits for consideration.

In its annual report the executive refers tq the situation created by the war. “The dram on manpower caused by the recruitment qf men for the armed forces, the necessity for the production of supplies for the armed foreds, and the need to produce in New Zealand essential commodities that can no longer be imported from overseas have created many new problems for our federation," comments the report. Concern about the delay in establishing‘the full medical benefits under the Social Security Act is expressed by the executive, which also voices its regret that during the year none of the industrial legislation asked for by the federation, had been passed by the Government,“ The executive has from time to placed the matter of amendment? to the labour tews before the Government,” it is stated- “but so far it has not been able to secure the introduction and passing of any of the legislation promised by the Minister for Labour."