AUSTRALIAN LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22197, 26 February 1934, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN LABOUR

UNITY MOVES , POSITION IN DOUBT. t (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, February S. Notwithstanding the recent decision of the New South Wales branch of the Federal Labour Party against the Victorian Labour Unity proposals, and of the Australian Workers’ Union not to affiliate with the Lang Labour Tarty, it is considered in many circles that the forces that are working for harmony will eventually have greater success than seems likely on the surface to-day. AH Labour politicians, no matter what their colour at the moment, realise that theparty can get nowhere while matters remain as they are. In short, unless Labour can find a common leader ami/ a common policy it cannot hope to rule the Commonwealth —and that after all must be the ehief aim. Mr Lang, during his memorable regime as Premier of New South Wales, showed how helpless he could be with the Federal Government opposed to him. There can be no Lang Plan in the future until there is a Lang man at the helm. The New South Wales branch of the Federal Labour Party rejected the unity proposals for the very simple reason that it would mean a tremendous climb down, and the victimisation of men who remained true to the cause even though it meant political oblivion for them. In the circumstances it appears almost certain that at the next Federal election, in New South Wales at least, Labour will fight Labour, to the illcontent of both sections. But if it means that Australia will be saved from a Lang Prime Minister, then there should be little cause for complaint among those who have the future of the Commonwealth at heart. At this stage of its recovery Australia could ill afford an adventure into the socialisation experiments that would be forced upon it by Mr Lang. The ugly head of repudiati-'u would rear itself again, and the credit of the country overseas would receive even a more severe setback than it- did when he had control of the Treasury in New South Wales.

This week the Lang Party sought to secure the support of the Australian Workers’ Union to achieve unity at its own terms, and the decision of the Australian Workers’ Union convention not to ask for reaffiliation with the State branch of the Labour Party was a serious rebuff. Serious efforts were made to persuade the convention to recognise the Lang Party, but the motion for reaffiliation was withdrawn. It is of special interest to note that the convention was dominated by Queensland delegates, which bears out the view that Mr Lang is. by no means popular in the northern State. If there is to be any change in the Federal leadership of the Labour Party Queensland delegates con be depended upon to give wholc-heartei support to the present leader and the Premier of the State, Mr Forgan Smith. It will probably be found that before long Mr Forgan Smith will be a nowerful force in Australian Labour, and may be more generally acceptable to all the States than Mr Lang or any of Mr Long’s followers. It was only to be expected that the A.W.U. convention would carry a motion expressing the pious hope that unity would be achieved, but signilieant that it did nothing that would help to bring about that state of affairs. Actually the decision may be regarded as a sweeping victory for the forces of Mr Scullin. A reverse decision, it is stated, would have practically assured the success of the unity conference which will discuss the proposals that have been put forward by the Victorian Labour Party. Victoria’s sudden support for Mr Lang is surprising and it indicates that the strategic moves made by his followers in that State have not been unattended with success. While he was in power in New South Wales he received little encouragement from Victorian Labour men, but now, it would seem, Victoria would be prepared to place him at the head of the party. Tasmania is also reported to be turning that way, and the attitude of Labour in South Australia may he said to be in the balance.

It is considered that the entry of Mr A. C. .Willis into tltc Federal Party —lie was readmitted last Saturday—had a big influence on the vote of the A.W.U. convention. Some weeks ago the Lang Party considered the afliliation of the A.W.U. with its organisation almost a certainty; the vote indicates that many members have in recent weeks revised their opinion. The advocacy by Mr J. M'Ncill of the afliliation proposal added interest to the position. Mr M'Neill is now secretary of the New South Wales branch of the union, which, by the way, is one of the largest labour organisations in Australia, but he was member for Wannon (Victoria) in the last Federal Parliament, and was for a time Minister for Health in Mr Scullin’s Ministry. It can be taken almost for certain that Mr Willis, ejected from the Lang Party, will fight that party’s nominee in one of the Metropolitan electorates at the next Federal election. The Federal branch of the Labour Party has, ns a matter of fact, called for nominations for pre-selection to contest all the New South Wales seats. These will close at the cud of the mouth.

Meanwhile the Victorian branch of the Australian Labour Party is going ahead Avith the unity proposal and the conference on these will be resumed on March 5. It will be held in Sydney and a strenuous effort will be made to induce the rival organisations in New South Wales to send delegates. On present prospects these endeavours seem doomed to fail.