LABOUR CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 181, 26 April 1924, Page 3

LABOUR CONFERENCE

VIEWS ON DEFENCE POLICY Br Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, April 25 The New Zealand Labour Party’s conference concluded yesterday. Tlie following remits were referred to the Trade Council’ a Federation and the Alliance of Labour: — “That the constitution of the Arbitration Court be amended to provide that the president of the Court shall be elected by a plebiscite of Pariiajnentary electors.” “That it is in the interests of the working class movement that the Arbitration Court be abolished and collective bargaining be instituted, and that this decision a plank in the platform of the New Zealand Labour Party.” The following remits were carried: Dunedin women’s branch : “That the party supports the establishment of baby clinics for free medical advice and dental attention for all infants in all districts.” Poverty Bay L.R.C.: “That the Compensation Act be amended to provide that in the case of an employee killed, in an accident having no relative to claim the compensation due, the full amount payable shall be paid by the insurance company into the consolidated fund.” Canterbury L.R O.: “That official Labour representatives resident in England, India and Japan, be appointed to take charge of all labour matters affecting New Zealand, and eventually to create an international agency.” It was decided that May 1 be celebrated as International Labour Day. The party’s defence policy was discussed, and the following resolution was carried unanimously:. “That the New Zealand Labour Party wholeheartedly supports the British Labour Government in its efforts to secure disarmament by agreement among the nations, and declares that it will be prepared to face the problem of defence on assuming office as the Government of the Dominion in the light of that policy, and will be guided Joy circumstances prevailing at that time as to the extent to which disarmament can I)** achieved or defences necesIt was resolved + hat the party be represented at the British. Commonwealth Labour Conference in London in August, the party to be responsible for the exnenses of at least one dele-o-ate, if necessary, that three delo"ates be credentiallen. Representation is to be dependant on the political situation in New Zealand. The final decision is to be made by the national executive later. Messrs. Holland, Brindle and Nash have been The conference resolved that the executive be recommended to ensure the nomination of Labour candidates for all electorates at the next election.