ORGANISED LABOUR. ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 16, 19 July 1910, Page 3

ORGANISED LABOUR. ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES.

NAME DECIDED UPON. t fBT TELEGRAPH — TRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, 18th July. At the annual conference of the Trades and Labour Councils of New Zealand the report of the executive was presented, in which tihe conference was informed that dn connection with the proposed new party a. number of members of Parliament had been approached for their opinions, but the replies received were far from encouraging. The executive therefore strongly recommended the format kin of a Labour Party from without Parliamentary circles as the only possible solution of the question. There was some discussion as to whether the conference, by adopting the report, would exclude members of Parliament from the party when formed, and in order to guard against such an eventuality the clause in question was slightly amended. The Hon. J. T. Paul (Otago) stated that members of Parliament had been approached in such an indefinite manner that affirmative answers were not to be expected even from those whose sympathies were in favour of the formation of an Independent Labour Party. Delegates wene diveded in opinion as to whether the conference should proceed with or postpone to a later stage consideration of a platform for the suggested party as drafted by the executive. «Upon a division of 10 to 6, however, it was decided to proceed. Mr. Howard protested against dealing with the programme, on the ground that it was nothing more or less than the programme contained in a pamphletsigned and issued by Mr. M' Bride, of Christ-church. The Canterbury Union, strenuously opposed its adoption, contending that it contrasted most unfavourably with a businesslike platform of three straight-out planks set up by the Canterbury Council. He moved that consideration first be given to the question as to what clauses should comprise ihe party. The motion was negatived, and the conference proceeded to deal with the clauses of the programme seriatim. The proposed name was tht> "Progressive Labour Party." Mr. Noot (Wellington) moved as an amendment, "The Independent Political Lubqur Party." The amendment was lost. Upon the motion of Mr. Breen (Otago) vtr Was decided that the name be the New Zealand Labour Party. "MOST CRITICAL CONFERENCE." At this stage discussion was postponed until to-morrow. The chairman 'extended a welcome to Mr. J. F. Arnold, Labour M.P. for Dunedin. Mr. Arnold, in thanking the conference for its invitation, expressed the belief that this was the most critical conference which had been held for years past. Some years ago there were six direct Labour members in the House of Representatives, but to-day it was said that there was only one. If this was so, it did not .speak very well for the progress of the" Labour Party in New Zealand, even though the extent of their influence could not be measured by the number of Labour M.P.'s. He thought that the success of the Labour Party for some years to come depended on the deliberations of this- conference. (Hear, hear.) ANNUAL REPORT. In presenting their annual report, the executive stated that the most important feacure of the past year's work was the appointment of an organiser for the furtherance of the federation of labour. Finance appeared to be the\ main trouble, and much valuable time was lost in trying to find a solution of the difficulty until the executive felt that another futile effort, was to be the reward. Mr. D. M'Laren, coming to the assistance of the executive, however, =olved the financial trouble, and took up the work of organiser without remuneration. The councils and unions were addressed and circularised throughout the Dominion, with the gratifying result that up to the present 73 unions, eight councils, and three federations had intimated their desire to join the federation. This body, representing organised labour, had intimated their desire to join the federation. The trades'counsils of Australia were approached by the 'executive with a view to drawing Labour more closely together in the bwo countries. The replies were most cordial, and an' invitation was extended to the executive to attend the New South Wales Trades Congress, but, unfortunately, the invitation could not be accepted. In regard to a New Zealand brand, the executive took steps to obtain the assistance of the various trades in the Dominion Concerning the method most suitable to recommend to the Minister. The Ironmasters' Association were also approached, ana heads of other industries, but the result was most disheartening, only three replies being returned, viz., Bootmakers' Federation, Auckland Rattan and Wicker Workers, and the Auckland Tailors' Union. "Under the circumstances the executive were unable to complete the recommendation, although convinced that the same was of vital importance to local industry. The executive, in pursuance of instructions, submitted the names of Mr. E. Howard and Mr. Godfrey Powell to fnrther represent the Dominion on the All-British Conference. The majority favoured Mr. E. Howard, who was supposed to be going to Britain. Mr. Howard did not go, and the executive, failing a definite knowledge of the questions to be submitted to the said conference, were adverse to taking steps in the dark. The financial statements showed the year's receipts to have been £55 14s 3d, and the expenditure £48 6s, leaving a balance in the bank of £17 8s 3d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. ARBITRATION COURT PRESIDENT'S ATTITUDE. A telegram was received from the u, lions affiliated in Christchurch, asking the conference to call an indignation meeting for the purpose of protesting against the action of Judge Sim in the shearers'* dispute. After discussion, a resolution moved by Mr. Sullivan was carried as follows : — "That this conference protests against the discourteous attitude adopted by Mr. Justice Sim towards the representatives of the men in the recent shearers' dispute at Christchurch." A STRIKING FEATURE. NO LIBSaAL-LABOUR ADVOCATES IMPORTANCE OF THE GATHERING. fBT 7EI»GiBA2H — SPECIAT. TO THE POST.] AUCKLAND, This Day. A special resolution was carried by the conference, inviting Messrs. M'Laren and T. E. Taylor to attend. This arose mainly because of the sympathetic replies from tbxise gentlemen to a former cominuaicatioo- l»y the executive in. com-

nection with the formation of a Labour Party within the House. In all former conferences Tor years past the debates on the principal remits have resolved into an argument between the advocates of a Liberal-La-bour alliance versus other delegates, who advocate Independent Labour. A striking feature of this conference is the absolute absence oi any delegate professing allegiance, to the old-time Liberal-Labourism. Another element is in evidence in this gathering. A small section of delegates belonging to the Socialistic parties of Christchmch and Auckland are contending, with the rest of the delegates, for the advancement of their pet theories. The majority of the delegates, however, are imbued with a sense of theimportance of this conference from th? point of view of establishing an Ind*'dendent Labour Party in New Zealand politics. They are earnestly striving to frame a fighting platform preparatory to the next election campaign, and wantto so frame ths planks of the platform as to make a successful appeal to the majority of democratic electors at th* end of 'l9ll. Later indications are that the East Coast Council will be represented at the conference. The president has leceived a telegram enclosing the credentials of Mr. Long. Auckland, vice Mr. Hall, formerly selected, who is now unable to be present. Mr. Long's credentials will be dealt with by the delegates to-day.