LABOUR DEMONSTRATIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9093, 12 July 1915, Page 3

LABOUR DEMONSTRATIONS

In connection with the annual conference of the Social Democratic party (which will be opened to-morrow in Wellington) a highly successful demonstration was held last night at the People’s Picture Palace. There was a crowded attendance, and Mr H,’ Hunter (Christchurch) was chairman. The chairman moved the following resolution“ That this meeting, recognising that political solidarity and independence are essentials of Labour, and that such can only be achieved by the workers organising as a distinct Labour party, reaffirms its confidence in the Social Democratic party as the national working class political organisation, and calls upon the workers of New Zealand to unite in its support.” Speaking to the resolution, Mr Hun tor said that marked progress had been made by the party in the past year, and they would not jeopardise their independence by any association with any proposed coalition.

Mr Heffron (Auckland), in seconding, said tlie question -was, how soon the resolution would be carried into effect. Mr Bod Boss (Feilding), supporting the resolution, said the workers may have required the Liberal party as a wet nurse in the past, but they had now grown up and intended to have their own political party —the Social Democratic party. Mrs P- Hickey (Wellihgton) pointed out why the women should join the new party. It stood for equal pay for equal woi'k and the removal of Parliamentary disabilities.

Mr B- Semple (West Coast), who received s. great ovation, wondered why such a resolution was needed in the twentieth century. The old political parties had kept the workers where they were to-day. The war was teaching us many lessons, one being that there was no difference between the old political parties when it came to sacrificing the workers to the food combines. Mr H. E, Holland (Wellington) said that the workers must also have their own political party, to have a voice in the international cleaning up which must occur at the end of this terrible war. Mr J. McCarthy (Dunedin) and the Eev. M. Ayrton (Eunanga) also made stirring appealsThe resolution was carried unanimously. A demonstration was also held at Banfurly’s Hall,' Petone. last night, under the auspices of the Petone branch of the party. Messrs F- Cooji (national vice-president), of Christchurch, and E. Fraser (national secretary) were the principal "speakers. A resolution expressing confidence in the Social Democratic party as the political expression of the working class movement, was carried unanimously.