LABOUR CONFERENCE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 24 April 1935, Page 8

LABOUR CONFERENCE

ADHERENCE TO PRINCIPLES STEP TOWARDS CONTROL ADDRESS BY MR M. J. SAVAGE

(By Telegraph—Fres9 Association.) WELLINGTON, April 23,

The morning session of the Labour Party conference to-day was occupied with a discussion on- finances and a report of the Labour Party in Parliament during last .session. This was presented by Mr M. J• Savage, who received an ovation. Mr Savage said that the party in New Zealand owed its position in the political life of the country to adherence. to the principles upon which its platform was based and to a spirit of co-operation which for many years had prevailed among members. It was these qualities which ultimately would be the means of the party securing the reins of government, the first step towards attaining its objective.

Reference to the fact that Mrs McCombs, owing to ill-health, found it necessary, to return home' during the last. session. ■of Parliament was made by Mr Savage, who said there appeared 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 speedy recovery 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. It provided abundant evidence of lack of co-operation between kindred departments, such as the Native Lands and Valuation Departments. Public and Native interests as a result had suffered in many respects, including high prices for land purchased for Native purposes. Mr W. Nash, M.P., was elected president and Mr J. Roberts vieeVpresident of the New Zealand Labour Party at the conference. Other officers were: Central executive, Messrs. T. Brindle, P. M. Butler, P. Dowse, the Hon. Mark Fagan, M.L.0., and Mr. D. Wilson, divisional area, Messrs J. G. Barclay, M. J. Savage, M.P., D. W. Coleman, M.P., J. S. Montgomerie, W. J- Rogers, W. H. Oliver, A Spurr, A. H. MoKane, G. P. Thurston. G. T. Killer, P. Neijson and A. J. Middlemiss.