LABOUR IN POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13690, 5 March 1908, Page 6

LABOUR IN POLITICS.

PREPARING FOR THE ELECTION.

ACTION BY THE TRADES COUNCIL

Somk outspoken remarks were made at the meeting of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council last evening on the attitude of Labour in Auckland, in view of the next elections. A letter was read from the secretary of the Wellington Labour Representation Committee, who forwarded a circular issued to workers asking for the support of all unionists and labour organisations for the purpose of securing a return of members to Parliament pledged to support and carry out the policy of the committee. • The objective decided upon was the socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, and the method at present adopted towards that end was the return of members to Parliament pledged to support a Labour group which would be quite distinct from any other political party, all members returned to be controlled by the Labour Representation Committee. The President of the Council (Mr. A. Rosser) said he was anxious to know whether this league was to take the place of the Political Labour League at the next election with regard to nominating candidates.

Mr. Pratt (a vice-president) said they must all envy the organisation of Labour in Wellington. "In Auckland," said Mr. Pratt, *' we lack organisation and funds, but I do not think we lack speakers, though'l think we lack brains. As far as I can see we are not likely to take any active part in the elections this time. (Voices: Oh, go easy!) We, as a Council, are apparently doing nothing; the matter has hardly, been mentioned up till the present. We are not taking any initiative in the matter ourselves."

Mr. Long asked if there was not a resolution on the minutes as to the appointment of a committee to go into the matter. The President said they ought to work the unionists' up a bit, and do something. The Council had done nothing so far regarding the federation of all workers. Mr. Spratt said it was only another instance of Auckland being last, and they would always be last the way they were going. The Ward. Administration from first to last was a capitalistic affair. Mr. Long then moved : " That the I secretary be instructed to write to the Political Labour League in Auckland, asking their co-operation in tho revival, on the old - lines, of the Labour Representation Committee, in order to provide propaganda, and get to wor.'t for the next election."

Mr. Pratt seconded the motion. I The President said it was time thev took action. He was told that certain high personages were to be made honorary members of some loyal friendship lodge, including Messrs. Poole and Kidd, M.P.'s, and Mr. Nerheny. president of the Liberal and Labour Federation, and that there was something extraordinary about to happen. They were doing the right thing in moving in the direction of direct Labour representation. lu New South Wales one-third of the House were Labour members. . If they had any cohesion at all they would sweep the polls in the cities, whatever might happen in the country. The motion was carried.