LABOUR IDEALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18456, 18 January 1922, Page 8

LABOUR IDEALS

.I .ABOLISHING MILITARY DISCIPLINE. (From Ode Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, January 11. Drastic alteration® in regard to navigation laws and defence aro included in the final redrafting of the Federal platform and constitution of tho Australian Labour Party . On those subjects thb platform now reads os follows; _ Navigation laws to provide for tho protection of Australian shipping against unfair competition, the registration of all vessels engaged in the coastal trade, tho efficient manning of vessels, the proper. supply of life-saving and other equipment, the regulation of hours and conditions of work, proper accommodation for passengers and seamen, proper loading gear and inspection of same, compulsory insurance of crews by shipowners against accident or death. An amendment is sought of the Defence Act to secure the deletion of all clauses relating to compulsory training and service, the abolition of trial by court-martial where civil courts are available, any sentence imposed by a court-martial to be'"subject to review by a civil court; no penalties to be imposed except in /pursuance of explicit enactments of the Commonwealth Parliament; the limitation of professional soldiers to the necessary instruction and administrative and working staff; the abolition of military oaths; the abolition of distinction between commissioned and non-commissioned officers; tho recognition of the principle of the election of qualified candidates as officers; the salute and other useless discipline to be abolished; the citizens on completion of training to retain the arms delivered; to them during their training; no raising of forces for service outside the commonwealth, or participation in any future overseas war except by a decision of the people.