The Trend in Politics

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 228, 23 June 1936, Page 11

The Trend in Politics

Sir,— May 1 assure “Odysseus” that I am in no way trying to label the New Zealand Labour Party on the strength of some resolutions passed in England. 11l try and put my case so that neither he nor anyone else can misunderstand me. 1. The objective of Socialism has been defined over and over again, both by writers and politicians —it is ’lne bocialisation of Production, Distribution and Exchange..” „ . . 2 The New Zealand Labour Party has the same objective. This is ofiicially set out in its platform. . 3. Therefore, I say, this party, having the Socialist objective, is a Socialist party. "Odysseus” says it has a tea* denev that way—l say it is a definite and oliicial policy. . , D ... . The reason I mentioned the Bntisn position was to contrast the honesty of the British Labour Party—which boldly states that, having the Socialist objective, it‘is a "Socialist party”—with the New Zealand Labour Partja which, while in exactly the same position, objects to being called “Socialist.” Finally, may 1 repeat that the New Zealand Labour Party did not place this objective before the electors; it was carefully kept in the background, therefore it’is qot legislating with the free will of the people. The electors never voted for Socialism because it was never before them.—l"am, etc., Wellington, June 22.