PARTY IDEALS

Northern Advocate, 18 April 1933, Page 2

PARTY IDEALS

EXPRESSED BY -MR JORDAN. THE LABOUR PLATFORM. PUBLIC ADVANCEMENT. (Special to "Northern Advocate.") AUCKLAND, This Day.

The ideals of the Labour party in New Zealand were expressed in the presidential address yesterday to delegates to the annual conference, which was read on behalf of Mr W. J. Jordan, M.P. for Manukau, who is at present in the United Kingdom.

"The Labour party," said Mr Jordan, "has a great purpose, based on a moral principle and a realisation or this by our members will induce that enthusiasm and agreement without which we cannot advance our position. We have a. duty to the family life of our natTon, to restore happiness to the homes of the people. This will result in a contented community. Wc know that kindred gatherings in other lands are striving toward a similar end, and we look forward to the time when we shall refer to happiness, as we do now to misery and hardship, as ‘All over the world.’

"Natural wealth abounds in record measure all over the world. Our comrades are striving for a fuller and freer life all over the world. Our New Zealand Labour party has opportunities and advantages which are not enjoyed in some lands. We are supported by the political expression of some 242,000 voters who are striving for something better and higher than the policy that now prevails. We have 24 men in Parliament who are mindful of the needs of the .people and the possibilities of our Dominion. Our task is to work earnestly, conscientiously, consistently and unselfishly for the uplift and advancement of society, that wo may deserve that place in the hearts of the people and in the nation for which we strive."

The president pointed out that the conference was meeting during a period of deep depression to consider how best the people could be restored to a state of comfort and feeling of security. Although far from delegates in person he was with them in thought. Reviewing the' events of the year, Mr Jordan expressed regret that another earthquake had occurred and also the sympathy of the party to the sufferers in the Napier Harbour tragedy.

Plenteous Provision. “Generally throughout our Dominion,’ ’ he continued, “we should have reason to be grateful to our Creator for a bountiful supply of those things which are intended to make a world of comfort and : happiness. The crops and increase in flocks and herds have been enormous. The output of butter and percentage of lambs have exceeded all previous records, the mineral output has been large, the physical health of our people has been satisfactory, we have maintained the lowest death rate of the countries of the world, and in many ways we have been a people prosperous in real wealth. In the matter of the distribution of the things needed by, and provided for, our people there has been disaster. During the past year increased hardship has been experienced because of the unsatisfactory control, or lack of control, of those things which are essential to the welfare of society.

Period of Depression. ‘ ‘ Unemployment and want have increased, side by side With increased production. Social workers tell of hunger and serai-starvation. Great credit is due to the members of our hospital boards and their staffs, and to the great number of social workers for the way in which they are striving to relieve the sufferers, but the means available to them are inadequate. Educational facilities in our kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities have been curtailed. A great number of persons forfeited their homes and their life savings because of their inability to meet their liabilities. “During last year more persons departed from, than arrived in, our Dominion. The number of cases of mental breakdown, and the Dominion suicide rate have readied alarming proportions. We have a record number of poisons unemployed, while they and others need the things that they would manufacture, and restriction of sale prevails because many who need goods are, in the name of economy and national expenditure adjustment, forced into a position of inability to purchase in sufficient measure- the- necessities of life. Society has been largely content to follow along the track which has led to unsatisfactory positions, being content with the platitude- that by courage, patience and hard woik wn shall overcome our difficulties.

Admirable Fortitude. "Our people have demonstrated their courage under extraordinary tests, their patience has been admirable, and their hard work has been manifest in increased output, improved methods and engineering accomplishments; but the position is not improved. Thousands more, both men and women, clamour for opportunity to exercise that, skill and energy with which they are endowed. Not only is the would-be worker poorer, but. society generally -suffers socially and financially, and the progress of the human family is retarded by the demoralising conditions in which scores of thousands are placed. Many lives that should be bright and give pleasure to others are stunted in their social, moral and spiritual outlook.”

In conclusion, slr Jordan expressed his thanks to Mr H. E. Holland, Leadei of the Opposition, Mr M. J. Savage, the deputy-Leader, and liis other Parliamentary colleagues for the way they had endeavoured in Parliament to protect the interests of the people. Appreciation of the stand taken in the House by Mr E. Tirikateue, M.P. for Southern Maori, was expressed and thanks returned also to the members of the national executive of tlie party, Mr J. Thorn, the secretary, and to the members of L.R.C. branches and a {filiated organisations.