Anti-Conscription.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13581, 21 December 1916, Page 5

Anti-Conscription.

CONFERENCE OPENS.

MANY DELEGATES PRESENT.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Last Night.

A conference to discuss the question of the repeal of the Military Service Act was opened in Alexandra Hall to-day. About 80 delegates of various Labour unions and federations and other organisations were present. Proceedings were not open to the newspaper representatives, bat a report, supplied by the press committee especially appointed, states that those present include the national executive of the United Federation of Labour, representing 80 organisations; the national executive of the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Federation, repreesnting 18 organisations; and the national executive of the New Zealand Miners' Federation, representing 12 organisations. In addition to these 59 other organisations are represented, such as the Agricultural and Pastoral Workers' Union, the Labour Representation Committee, Trades and Labour Councils, gold miners at Waihi and Reefton, railway construction workers, flax millers, general labourers, carpenters and joiners, engineers, Conscription Repeal Leagues, Catholic conscientious objectors, Irish League, and the Social Democratic Party. The report further states that farmers and business men are also present, and, roughly, about 50,000 peoplo are represented. Mr J. Dowgray, president of the United Federation of Labour, was elected chairman, and Mr P. Fraser secretary of the conference. Mr G. L. Glover, vice-president of the U.F.L., is also present.