LABOUR PARTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 14

LABOUR PARTY

CAUCUS PROCEEDINGS OFFICIAL PAPER'S ACCOUNT CONFIDENCE IN MR. SAVAGE [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON. "Wednesday The nature of a discussion at the Labour Party conference on the question of Mr. Savage's leadership and the powers that go with it is described in a report published by the Labour journal, the Standard. It is stated that there was a noto of drama at the conference when Mr. Savage referred to this matter, which is stated to be "of vital interest to the Labour movement."

"For some months," the report states, "rumours have been circulated about an alleged split in the Parliamentary party, and a document has been circulated widely which gave some evidence of a serious difference of opinion. That there have been differences of opinion is not denied, but that they were serious enough to warrant the use of the term split is now demonstrably false. Difference of Opinion

"Speaking dispassionately at first, the Prime Minister outlined the situation that developed in caucus following the general election, but later his voice and demeanour indicated clearly that ho felt* his position keenly," the report continues. "Referring to an incident that had taken place, he said: —'1 don't want people to tell me how.much they love me and then find they arc holding meetings behind my back ' "Mr. Savage said that a difference of opinion had arisen concerning the selection of Cabinet Ministers. After some consultations, it had been agreed that for the future the leader of tho Parliamentary party should be appointed during the final session of each Parliament, and that he should consult caucus and discuss the question of the personnel "Of Cabinet until a general agreement was arrived at. Much Enthusiasm Shown "If it was considered necessary and desirable by the leader, a ballot would be taken, it being his duty to ascertain the opinions of the Parliamentary party and to synchronise them with his own right of final selection of Ministers with whom he had to carry on tho work of government."

The report describes the resolution of confidence in Mr. Savajje and the Cabinet, and says that this also endorsed the decision .of the Parliamentary Labour Party in regard to the selection of Ministers and to the overcoming of deadlocks.

The resolution, it is stated, was carried with an intensity of enthusiasm which expressed equally the affection and respect for Mr. Savage, and the determination of members of the party, while discussing all debatable details, to keep the unifying vision of the party's main objectives steadily in view.

INFORMATION LEAKAGE KEEN INTEREST AROUSED DISCUSSION BY DELEGATES [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Developments at the annual conference., o I tlie New Zealand Labour Party in Wellington to-day occupied delegates practically throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, and it is not now likely that the conference will end before Friday. Previously it was expected to conclude to-morrow. No official statement is available on .the questions which thus occupied the conference. It is understood they arose from leakages of information, first from the conference and secondly from the caucus. There was no mistaking the keen interest taken by delegates in the proceedings, and there was practically a full attendance of Cabinet Ministers. It is known that the speakers at the close of the discussion late in the afternoon included Mr. J. A. Lee, M.P., who was followed by the Prime Minister. Steps designed to reduce the chance of further leakages of informaatinn concerning the conference proceedings are also understood to have been taken. i

DEFENCE MEASURES SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT [Br TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION"] WELLINGTON. Wednesday Consideration of a report on defence, peace and immigration was commenced by the annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party in Wellington to-night. The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in presenting the report, outlined the defence measures taken by the Government. Other speakers included the Minister of Education, tho Hon. P. Eraser, the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Scmple, the Minister of Immigration, the Hon. H. T. Armstrong, the Hon. W. E. Barnard, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. J. A. Lee, Parliamentary Under-Secretary in charge of Housing.» Mr. W. J. Lyon, M.P., and Mrs. L. Gibson. The following motion was carried:— "That this conference supports the principles of international peace, and that, in view of the attempts to destroy democratic governments and institutions, this conference pledges itself to support the Government in any steps it might, take to provide for the efficient defence of this Dominion."