LABOUR CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1335, 12 January 1912, Page 5

LABOUR CONFERENCE.

ABOLITION OF UPPER HOUSE, 'AN EXPRESSION OF OPINION. Bj ToloErash— Prosj Association—CODjrlchl Hobart, January 11. The Labour Conference rejected the proposals for increasing the taxation on largo estates, the abolition of the Tipper House, State Parliaments' housing, and financially providing for widows and orphans and bonuses for large families. The motion for compulsory and contributory insurance created a long discussion, but was Anally defeated. (Rec. January 11, 9.30 p.m.) Hobart, January 11. The Labour Conference finally, without adopting a direct motion, carried au expression of opinion that the Upper Houso should be abolished. The constitutionality of the proposal was generally questioned. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Watson contended that tlio State electors should seek to carry out tho proposal themselves, but if the tight was unavailing then it might be desirable to seek Federal ,assistance. A motion to make the federation of railways a plank in the fighting platform was defeated. Motions were adopted as follow:— That all sea-going vessels should carry wireless apparatus. That in tlie event of tho necessary power being obtained at a referendum tho Commonwealth should own and control a mail fleet of inter-State steamers. A motion to extend the compulsory military training ago from seventeen to twenty-live was lost. The conference affirmed the principle of international arbitration and a universal decrease in armament.