N. ZEALANDERS IN PARIS

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 October 1945, Page 2

N. ZEALANDERS IN PARIS

LABOUR cSNFBfeEfJCB (N.Z.I\A. Special Correspondent.)' (Rec. 10.15 a.m.). LONDON, Oct. 22. Members of the . New Zealand delegation are serving on. a number of committees at. the International Labour Organisation Conference at Paris, which at the end of the first week is still paving the way for the coming fortnight’s discussions of world economic and social problems. The delegates are serving on the following committees:—Employment, Messrs Webb and Butler; Dependent Territories, Messrs Moston and Duff; Protection of Children and Young Workers; Mr Kemp; Convention Committee, Mr Webb; Constitution/ Mr Moston. . ’ Mr Webb, who was taken ill during the journey across America, is now well on the way to recovery, and has partaken at all the meetings. The Dominion’s attitude to the new standards of economic . and living conditions under discussion by the Dependent Territories Committee was outlined by Mr Moston. He said that while New Zealand supported the recommendations for minimum conditions, it thought regard should be paid to the customs and conditions in mandated territories. It might be desirable that the recommendations should be so framed that standards could be brought into effect without causing violent changes. At the same time, full regard must be paid to education and health conditions. The people of Samoa were very happy and contented, but a definite move nevertheless has been made to give them the minimum standard conditions now under.discussion. . In a broadcast recorded at Paris, Mr Butler said it was the duty oi everyone to bring the determinations of the United Nations Charter economic, social, judicial and human —into everyday life of the peoples 01 the world, “In the past high-sound-ing, noble sentiments have been discharged and misused as whims as the rulers decided. Let us determine that this will not occur again The Charter has been made possible after years of carnage, destruction ana desolation. It is now imperative that the worlds peoples demand the fulfilment of the promises so dearly won. We from New Zealand extend our hands to you all irrespective ol nationality, race and creed, and say that together we must march m the van of progress to ensure protection and adequate maintenance of the family and the home. These are what count in any nation. The hearthstone of the earth must be the foundationstone of our future destiny.’ DELEGATES’ HARDSHIPS

The sole New Zealand member of the International Labour Organisation Secretariat attending the conference is Mr E. J. Riches, formerly of Geraldine, who joined, the organisation in 1927. Mr Riches is now in charge of the Economic Statistical Department at World Headquarters, Montreal. _ During the first week New Zealanders, like other delegates, found life in Paris somewhat rigorous. Living at a civilian hotel and not receiving the benefits of service clubs, members found the meals of very poor quality, costing as much as 30/-. However, through the efforts of the British Embassy, Empire representatives were permitted as from October 20 to lake meals at the British Officers’ Club. Taxis are unprocurable and, as a result, there- has twice been the spectacle of Mr Webb and other members crammed into the sole New Zealand Army jeep m Paris for visits to Longchamps racecourse and tours of the city. In spite of certain Spartan standards of life, the delegates are not complaining, as it is realised the French are doing all possible to ensure the success of the conference,-*which is recognised as a tonic to French morale by placing Paris again to the fore as a centre oi world " discussions. The full programme of social activities engaged members of the New Zealand delegation. They attended receptions at the British and Irish Embassies, and on October 20 attended a reception by the French Provisional Government at Chaillot Palace. On October 21 they were taken on a motor toui of. Paris and Versailles, and that evening they attended a performance at the Comedie Francaise.