LABOUR'S ASPIRATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21469, 18 April 1933, Page 8

LABOUR'S ASPIRATIONS

With many of the sentiments expressed by the president of the New Zealand Labour Party in his address that was read at yesterday's conference, all men of good intent will be in accord. He spoke of their duty to restore happiness to the homes of the people, of their task to work earnestly, conscientiously, consistently and unselfishly for the uplift and advancement of society. And if Mr. Jordan did not quite hide the politician's hope, of reward for such well doing, his sincerity will not on that account be impugned. That there are just as high and earnest aims outside the ranks of the Labour Party need not be emphasised. It is useless to expound the obvious, but in any case the Labour Party cannot be denied the right to assume the role of the only champion of the people at its own conference. Its methods in pursuing its aspirations are, however, a legitimate ground for comment. With those that have been employed in the House of Representatives the electorate is too familiar to make reminders necessary. The Labour Party has not shown the vestige of that spirit of co-operation which the times demand from all who exercise •authority. There has been nothing constructive in their criticism, no recognition of the unprecedented difficulties facing the Government And apart from the actions of Labour on the floor of the House it is evident from the annual report presented to the conference that political aims of the same order are being pursued outside Parliament. For instance, an endeavour is being made to convince the Government that the Municipal Corpora-

tions Act should be amended to enable an elector who is in receipt of relief wages to sit as a member of the local body employing him. The existing disqualification applies to any person holding any office or place of profit, other than that of mayor or deputy-mayor, under or in the' gift of the council. The fact that the removal of this disqualification is sought only in respect of relief workers makes the purpose clear. Why should other classes that are disqualified not be championed? Is a relief worker more entitled to become a member of a council that engages him than the regular foreman who directs his work or the permanent clerk who issues his pay 1 If one directs a blind eye to the political aim in view, is it to be assumed that the Labour Party disapproves of this provision, which, applying also to contractors and suppliers of goods, has been one of the strongest influences in keeping administration free from grave evils ? If it supports the general principle its representations on behalf of unemployed who wish to have a vote in the body that provides them with relief is so much humbug.