ATTITUDE OF LABOUR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue XLIX, 3 January 1916, Page 5

ATTITUDE OF LABOUR

NATIONAL CONFERENCE NECESSARY.

SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION REALISED.

PARLIAMENTARY LABOUR PARTY SUPPORTS THE DECISION.

LONDON, Dee. 31.-. The Labcur Conference has issued a statement to the effect that at very fully discussed the Government's- proposal, and agieej that the importance of the issue w.is so serious that a decision on behr.lf of the trades union and labour movement could .only bo readied by a national conference representing the whole of 'he movement. This been summoned -o meet in London on Thursday after Mr Asquitb. has made his statement iii the Houso of Commons Mr Gosling will preside and the proceedings will be'private. A statement was afterwards given to the Press that the Parliamentary Labour Party concurred in tho decision, particularly in view of the very pronounced resolution .passed by tho Trades Union Congress in September. \ The Labourites'are extremely reticent, but there are indications that a prolonged controversial discussion took place. •Some regarded the general response of recruits as sufficient to keep the authorities busy training' for the next few months, "while others urged that .the Balkans campaign considerably enlarged the requirements-.of the Army. It is expected that Labour will return support to a modified form of compulsion, and ask for a concession of a further .four weeks for voluntary enlistment before compulsion is introduced. The "Daily Chronicle.'' -says there is less tension politically, and greater' hope of a settlement without .a- rupture. The Bill willi probably be ordering unmarried men to attest) within a fortnight or three weeks, with the, same privileges as volunteers. ' The King's return from. Sandringham ds associated with the Cabinet crisis. He immediately gave an audience to Mr Asquith. " '