LABOR CONFERENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVI, Issue 11, 13 January 1912, Page 7

LABOR CONFERENCE.

[press association.]

HOBART, Jan. 11. At the Labor Conference a motion to* make the Federalisation of the railways a plank of the fighting platform was defeated. Motions were adopted that all sea going vessels should carry wireless apparatus, and that, in the event of th.c necessary power being obtained at th© referendum, the Commonwealth should own and control a fleet of mail inter-State steamers. A motion to extend th© compulsory military training age from 17 to 25 was lost. . . The Conference affirmed the principle of international arbitration, and a universal decrease in armaments. The Conference passed a motion that in the event of constitutional power being obtained a National Sugar Refinery should be established. It was also agreed that a publicly owned ironworks was an urgent necessity. It was decided to send <a letter of fraternal greetings to the Social Democratic Party in Germany, wishing them success at th© elections. A motion by Messrs Fisher and MefGoWen, that negotiations for closer industrial and commercial relations with New Zealand should be opened immediately, "~was carried. Mr Fisher declrvTed'tfiat'tne well-known trouble in the Pacifici wou|d hove to be met by all of Australia. They should soundi New Zealand's opinion. Mr McGowen oadd tfcat it widened the Eederation by the inclusion of New Zealand, ,and it. was necessary for the welfare of the States.

A motion that State Members are eligible to contest Federal seats without resigning* was carried.