LABOUR CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1333, 10 January 1912, Page 5

LABOUR CONFERENCE.

THE FEDERAL OBJECTIVE,

UNIFICATION OF THE STATES.

1 Oy Teleerauli-Prejß Aseociation-Copyrieht

„ ~ T , Hobart, January 9. At the Labftur Conference only pressmen representing Labour papers were admitted. They had to proiaiso not to publish damaging statements by extremists.

A motion to amend the Federal objective, providing for an additional clause for tho settling of international disputes by a council of tho civilised nations was rejected, as was aiso a clauso providing for tho security of full results of industry to all wealth-producers by collectite ownership of all moans of production. This latter clause had been proposed to replace a clause providing for ft similar result by tho collective ownership of monopolies , . l

A motion for unification of the States was inder discussion when the conference adjournod.

Mr Fishor, Federal Primo Minister, though not favouring etraightout unification, 'declared that tho Federal Government should havo greater powers.

(Roc. January 10, 0.5 a.m.)

Hobart, January 9.

At the Labour conference Jlr. Fisher, in his speech on the unification motion, said the present Federation did not give satisfaction to the States, which complained of their functions being usurped. Tho constitution was altogether too restrictive, and prevented tho' representatives of tho people giving effect to the people's will. Ho did not think the division of Australia into six States would bo long continued., He invited the representatives of Labour to face the question boldly, and predicted that tho party would demand a brand new constitution.