Local Elections Discussed By Labour Party

Grey River Argus, 8 May 1948, Page 5

Local Elections Discussed By Labour Party

P.A. DUNEDIN. May 7. Consideration of the remits under the heading of Electoral and Public Service brought to a close the fiveday annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party in Dunedin today. As the result of a resolution of the conference, the Government will be urged to implement the recommendations of the Local Government Commission. There was no recommendation cn a remit that public servants who fail to implement the policy of the Government be replaced, it being stated that this was already the Government policy. The conference favoured the Ward system for local body elections. The conference referred to the Government for consideration a remit that the Parliamentary system of oostal voting be introduced in local body elections. The conference also adopted remits which sought an extension of the facilities in local body elections to enable sick per.-ons to record their votes, as in the Parliamentary elections.

The conference resolved that, in all elections, the method bv which the elector indicates' his intention be uniform by striking out names of the unwanted candidates. That the voting at elections be made compulsory was another remit. It was referred to the Government for consideration. The conference resolved that adequate Labour representation be provided on all boards and commissions, and that where women have the necessary qualifications, they be considered for' appointment.