NEW ZEALAND LABOUR PARTY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19156, 26 April 1924, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND LABOUR PARTY.

FINAL BUSINESS COMPLETED. LONDON CONFERENCE DELEGAiES APPOINTED. The Conference of the New Zealand Labour Party was brought to a close on Thursday evening. At the morning session a letter was read from the night Hon. Arthur Henderson (secretary of the British Labour Party) inviting delegates to attend the British Commonwealth Labour Conference, to be held in London in August. The following motions wore carried in regard to the matter:—‘That tue party be represented. That the party be responsible for me expenses of at least one delegate. If necessary, three delegates be given credentials. .hat representation he entirely dependent on the political situation in New Zealand, and that the final decision be made by the National Executive. That a special fund be opened to defray the expenses of delegates. That an outline of instructions be given delegates.’’ Mr H. E. Holland (Parliamentary Leader), T. Brindle (president), and i> . Nash (national secretary) were chosen as delegates. The following remits were referred to the Trades Councils' Federation and the Alliance of Labour:— “That the constitution of the Arbitration Court be amended to provide that the president of the Court shall be elected by a plebiscite of parliamentary electors.’’ “That it is in the interests of the working class movement that the Arbitration Court be abolished and collective bargaining be instituted; and that this decision be a plank in the platform of the New Zealand Labour Party.” The party’s defence policy was discussed at great length and the following resolution was carried unanimously:—“That the New Zealand Labour Party whole-heartedly supports the British Labour Government in its efforts to secure disarmament by agreement among the nations, and declares that it will be prepared to force the problem of defence on assuming office as the Government of the dominion in the light of that policy, and will bo guided by the circumstances prevailing at that time, as to the extent, to tvhich disarmament can be achieved or defence is necessary.” At the evening and final session (he following remits were carried : “mat, in order that the real voting strength of the Labour movement may bo accurately recorded, it be a recommendation from Conference to the incoming National Executive that it take steps to ensure the nomination of Labour candidates in all the electorate at next general election.” Westport ■ branch. “that the party supports the establishment ot baby clinics for free medical advice and dental attention for all infants in all districts.”---Dunedin Women's branch. “That the Compensation Act be amended to provide that, in tne case of an employee deceased through accident having no relative to claim compensation duo, the full amount payable shall be paid by the insurance company into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.”— Poverty Bay L.R.C. ‘That Conference ask the Parliamentary Labour Party to introduce an amendment to the Workers’ Compensation Act. to bring under the operations of the Act any workers who contract ptomaine poisoning," - Gore i branch. ‘That Conference affirms its confidence in the industrial co-operative movement, and recommends all members of affiliated organisations and -members of the Labour Party branches to support co-operation actively in the districts where the co-operative movement i - established.”—Canternury Trades and Labour Council. ' That official Labour representatives resident in England, India, ana -lapan be appointed to fake charge of all Labour matters affecting New Zealand, and eventually to create an international agenev.”—Canterbury L.n.c. ’That the Rating Act, 1908, be amended so as to provide that all rates shall b© levied on the unimproved land value.”— Wellington North braneli. It was derided (hat May 1 be celebrated as (he International labour Day. t J be following resolutions were carried : “That Parliament shall give girls all the benefits of the Apprentices* Act. "T bat Labour AT.P.'s endeavour to secure workable regulations governing the election of school committees.” "That the National Executive l>c authorised to organise and support the ‘No More War’ demonstrations which are to be held in September next.” “That the Parliamentary Labour Party be recommended Io go fully into the matter of soldiers’ pensions, and the need for a reorganisation of the Soldiers’ Pensions Appeal Board.” “That, the Government be asked to extend (he provision of maternity homes or wards, at public hospitals, and that in towns where no homes are available free railway passes be granted to all needing attention.” ‘‘That (he New Zealand delegates to the British Commonwealth Labour Conference be instructed to advocate a complete revision of the 9 reaty of Versailles providing for the abolition of reparations, and the wiping out of the'war debts between nations.” Proposed amendments to the shipping law, move,! by the Federated Seamen’s Union of New Zealand, were endorsee arid referred to the executive. The Conference closed with a vote of thanks to the chair, and the singing o. the “Red Flag.’’