LABOR SENSATION

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10473, 31 December 1927, Page 9

LABOR SENSATION

MR, P. SNOWDEN’S SURPRISE RESIGNATION FROM I.L.P.

ONE ORGANISATION QUITE SUFFICIENT.

(United Pres; Assn.-—Convrigbt) LONDON, Dec. 29. Mr Philip Snowden has resigned his membership of the Independent Labor Party, to which he had belonged for 34 years.

In a letter to the secretary he says: “The Labor Party, since it permitted individual membership and adopted a socialist basis adequately fulfils the purposes for which the Independent Labor Rartv original! v existed. The latter has served its purpose arid continued existence is neither necessary nor useful, . and involves a waste of monev and effort.’'—A .N.Z.C.A.

LONDON, Dec. 29

All"Snowden, explaining his resignation from the Independent Labor Party. Isays shows that branches throughout the country are finding difficulty in keening the organisation going because local Labor, parties are much more powerful and are now capable of more effectively accomplishing without duplication the work for which the Independent Labor Party was created.—X.Z. and A.P.A. and Sun.

OUT OF TOUCH WITH PARTY

RESIGNATION WILL REMOVE RESTRAINT EROAI INDEPENDENTS

NO LONGER A SOCIALTSI

LONDON. I)cc. 29

Mr J Maxton, ALP. chairman of the Independent LoHor Party, expresses the opinion that the recent surtax dispute hastened Air Snowden's resignation and says: . “We cannot regard him nowadays as a Socialist agitator, which at present is mostly needed-. His resignation removes some of the restraint from the Independents.

Air J. Wheatley said it, was evident that Air Snowden's mind r,o longer was running on Socialist linos Air Francis Johnston, secretary of the Independent Labor Party, sent a letter to Mr Snowden regretting his. decision. He says: “The partywill always remember your work as a pioneer propagandist, and the distinction with which you twice occupied the chairmanship, hut the mass of members does not agree that there is no necessity for the party. On the contrary, they fee} sure that it has still a separate function in the greater Labor movement.” The letter recalls that Air Snowden, as a member of the National Council, decided in 1922 that the continuance, of the party was necessary to maintain the socialist movement, and adds: “Tt has been known for some time that you were out of touch with the party. Nevertheless, we are sure you will continue to work for socialism in your own way.”—N.Z. and A.P.A. and Sun.