Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1944. LABOUR AIMS AND MISSES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 November 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1944. LABOUR AIMS AND MISSES.

’J’HE conference at Wellington between New Zealand and Australian Ministers has concluded, with nobody outside being much the wiser. True, Mr. Fraser and Mr. Forde issued lengthy statements supposed to be reviewing the decisions, but the fact that, in spite of its hero worship of Labour leaders, our morning contemporary did not think it worth while publishing these statements was significant. There will be general relief that the AVellington discussions did not, apparently, result in another “Canberra Pact,” excepting purely New Zealand-Australian relations. The Australian visitors probably enjoyed the trip, and best wishes will accompany them on their return to-mor-row, with a special hope that they will find Mr. Curtin improved in health. The series of breakdowns he is having suggests that he needs a rest beyond that of a' few weeks.

There is another conference in Wellington this week, namely that of the Labour Party, which is holding its annual gathering. With hundreds of delegates and 1131 remits on the agenda paper, the proceedings are marked by quantity>and perhaps quality. Press representatives are not admitted, and all tjie publicity available is officially supplied, and is naturally of a roseate hue. Mr. Roberts’ presidential address and Mi. Fraser’s statement of policy were safe and optimistic, especially the Prime Minister’s reference to a ten-year plan. It is most unlikely that Labour will have the opportunity to put long-term proposals into practice, so there need be little limit to Labour jiromises, as there is none to their claims. Mr. Fraser maintained the pretence that Labour led the Dominion out of the depression, which was, in fact, passing before Labour obtained office. The, depression made Labour, and has since supplied much material for unfair propaganda.

However, public interest in what Mr. Fraser says is not excessive, and more will be taken in the demands by the Labour rank and file, as shown in the remits forwarded. Most of these will get the consideration they deserve, which is not much, but they give an indication of Labour’s real thought, as compared with the leaders’ window-dressing. Finance, of course, is a field for many proposals, easy credit being featured, dt is urged that all local body loans be financed by the Reserve Bank, that a capital levy be imposed to finance the war, that the amount of exemption for income tax purposes be increased, that taxation on wages and salaries be on a sliding scale, that the “pay-as-you-go” income tax system be instituted, that money paid in taxation be exempt from further taxation, and that the national security tax be discontinued on the cessation of hostilities.

As for State control, it is suggested that the Government take over the control of electricity supply, dental, medical and optical services,, the building industry, I the fishing industry, land, sea, and air 'transport, all ferry services, all industries, the production of munitions and wai equipment, all classes of insurance, including workers’ compensation, and all patriotic funds'at the conclusion of the war. Social security extensions are demanded and changes in the electoral system are urged by many branches of the Party, including preferential voting, compulsory polling, and raising of a Parliamentary candidate’s deposit to £25. Space does not permit reference to many remits, but their wide variety demonstrates that however the leaders may boast to the contrary, Labour rank and file are not so satisfied that perfection in administration is much nearer.