LABOR CONGRESS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12536, 24 April 1935, Page 5

LABOR CONGRESS

MR SAVAGE GIVEN OVATION A DAMNING INDICTMENT NATIVE COMMISSION'S REPORT f Press Association). WELLINGTON, April 22. The morning session of the Labor Party conference was occupied with a discussion on finances and the report of the Labor Party m Parliament during th? last session. This was presented by Air AL J. Savage, who received an ovation on concluding his review. Air Savage said that the party in New Zealand owed ite position in the political life of the country to adherence to the principles upon which its platform wa s based and to the spirit of co-operation which for many years had prevailed among members. It was these qualities which, ultimately would he the means of the party securing the reins of government, the first step towards attaining its objective. Reference to the fact that Airs E. R. AlcCombs, owing to ill-health, had found it necessary to return home during the last session of Parli.ment was made by Mr Savage, who said that there appeared to be no doubt that her illness to a large extent resulted from the long hours and heavy strain involved in the execution of her Parliamentary duties. All joined in wishing her a spe?dy _i.ecoy.ery, and assured her of a hearty welcome from all members of the House when she returned. Mr Savage declared that there was no page in the political history of New Zealand that contained a more damning indictment ' against any Government than did the Native Affairs Commission’s report against the Coalition Government. Tt provided abundant evidence of the lack of co-operation, between kindred departments such as the Native Lands and the Valuation Departments. Public and native interests, as a. result, had suffered in many respects, including high prices for land purchased lor Native purposes,.