LABOUR POLITICS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 297, 13 November 1934, Page 6

LABOUR POLITICS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I have tried to refrain from taking part in tins subject, but it is apparent that “Turned Away” is not a member of the New Zealand Labour Party, and has been misled by some person, and “One of the Old School,” like the president is a political backslider. I would like to ask the president, Mr E. W. Ward, why the old members withdrew from this branch and why did his party vacate the premises in Eitzherbert Avenue without notice P Many of the members are connected with other organisations, opposed to everything except their own vain glorification. Whom can Mr E. W. W ard or his little “Twenty” put forward in place of Mr J. HodgensP Mr E. 0. Bond refused nomination for the Tauranga electorate, offered him by the party, and if the Rialto Hal] Labour section think Palmerston North electors would support him, considering his attitude towards them on the Power Board, because they are fortunate in possessing a power plant of their own, then 1 say they require “ditching.” Why did National headquaters officials come to Palmerston North to castigate the executive for not conforming to the rules of the Labour Party? Mr President, is it a fact that no Labour M.P. or other accredited Labour speakers will not speak in any electorate except by request from the L.R. Committee, and it represents all trade unions. The Rialto Labour Branch elected four delegates to the local L.R. Committee. As they were only entitled to three seats the four delegates dreiv lots. So much for their knowledge of rules, etc., of their party, and that is the cause of the whole discontent. A clique of semi-labour fledglings wish to “run” the old birds. 1 am sorry Mr E. W. Ward will not explain. He is tied, because he had to consult Mr Bond before replying to previous correspondence. I w’as present at the meeting when the matter'was discussed, and Mr Bond moved a motion that no newspaper correspondence lie replied to and it was carried. Mr Bond is on the executive; he is vice-president; the Big Stick, unless he has resigned. A person can be a member of the New Zealand Labour Party by forwarding his or her subscription to National head office, Wellington, or by his or her Union being affiliated with the Labour Party. So the local branch as it is, does not give a correct reading of the political Labour barometer. That is one blessing. Some time in the near future reputable working men will realise how little benefit they receive, from the back yard type of organiser.—l am, etc., ONE IN THE KNOW.