DRAMATIC GESTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27387, 12 May 1950, Page 4

DRAMATIC GESTURE

President Of Labour Party CONFERENCE CONCLUDES PA AUCKLAND, May 11. “Jim Roberts raises the hammer no more.” With these words, Mr James Roberts, M.L.C., president of the Labour Party for 13 years, brought a big gavel crashing down on the table and handed over to his successor in office, Mr A. H Nordmeyer, in the dying stages of the annual conference in the Town Hall tonight. The day had been spent in the discussion of constitutional, Maori and women's affairs. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Fraser, moved that the conference should place on record its appreciation of the invaluable service which . Mr Roberts had rendered to the move- . ment during his long term of office. ;This was carried unanimously, and Mr Roberts was accorded musical honours. Mr Fraser, on behalf of the delegates, presented Mr Roberts with a set of pipes, a “ very substantial ” cheque, and other gifts. "I am a very proyd and humble man to know you appreciate my services to such an extent,” said Mr -Roberts. “The presidency of the con'vference has been a most difficult job. It is 50 years next November since I joined the Socialist Party, as it was then. During that time I have done my best to put my little dent in the citadel of capitalism.” The conference ended with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” “There has never -been a more flagrant breach of an election undertaking by any Government in New Zealand’s history,” said Mr Nordmeyer, in commenting on the removal of price controls. He was making his first speech to the conference after taking over the reins of office. “In the few short months since the Government has been in office, the pound has depreciated in value more than in any comparable .period of time in ■New Zealand’s history: The living standards of the people have never . been more insidiously attacked. Now the last' vestige of control over prices has been removed.” The appointment of women magis- ■ -i.tr ates to hear certain cases involving y-women and children was asked for vby women delegates to the' conference. SA recommendation to this effect from N a special meeting of women delegates was adopted by the conference and referred to the National Executive. The women recommended that women justices of the peace be allowed to sit on the Bench when women magistrates were not available. They also pressed for compulsory jury service for women. , All remits touching on constitution were referred to the National Executive, ■ which, with five other members of the party, will bring down recommendations for a revision of the constitution and rules to the 1951 conference. Included among these remits was one asking for an age limit to be fixed for members of Parliament and new candidates.