LABOUR'S LATEST CONVERT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15922, 7 May 1912, Page 8

LABOUR'S LATEST CONVERT.

} HON G. FOWLDS OPENS HIS CAMPAIGN, [FfiOM OtTR CoitRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, May 6.

The United Labour Party's latest oonvert, the Hon George Fowlds, passed through Wellington to-night en route for Dunedin, on tho business of tho party. "Yes," said Mr Fowlds when asked ; if he was completely identified with the Unity platform, " 1 think the new platform is a magnificent platform for the purpose of rallying all tho progressive elements of tho community. It. is a great deal in advance of anything we have had from a responsible party before, and yet is sufficiently moderate that all reasonable and useful people can unite to have it given effeot." THE RADICAL SECTION. " What are the prospects of its success do you think?" Mr Fowlds was asted. "I am not prepared to speak dogmatically on -that point," he replied, "but I am quite sure that the great majority of the people of New Zealand ar© in favour of a more progressive party than anything that is in sight outsfde the Labour Party. Personally, my attitude toward the Government is one of benevolent neutrality. They will probably do less harm in their present position than any Opposition Government." "Of course," added Mr Fowlds, "there must in the very near future be a division between the Conservatives and Radicals within the Government as well as within the Government Party. The Radical section are bound not only to sympathise with, but to work with the Labour Party in the very near future, and the Conservative element will probably gravitate to their proper place."

THE MOST IMPORTANT POINTS. ." What are the most important points in the Labour programme?" "Well,'; replied Mr Fowlds, "first is proportional representation. _ Second is tho reduction of the cost of living by increasing tho taxation of land values and remitting taxation on the necessaries of life. A surplus of between £700,000 and £BOO,OOO taken from the pockets of the people by taxation and used for the purpose of creating a value that goes into the_ hands of a comparatively few, is auite indefensible. It ought to be used for reduction in the cost of living." Mr Fowlds states that he will place himself in the hands of the Labour Party for platform work during the next three or four weeks, going where it suits-the party's plan of campaign. He will address a public meeting in Dunedin on May 9, and expects to remain in the South Island for ten days or so. -