BRITISH LABOUR CONEERENCE

Southland Times, Issue 17935, 29 January 1917, Page 5

BRITISH LABOUR CONEERENCE

IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn & Reuter) LONDON, January 26. The Labour Conference passed a resolution that the British plenipotentiaries at the peace conference should include an adequate number of Labour members of the House of Commons, and that all British representatives should work for the formation of an international league of peace as advocated by Mr Wilson. The conference urged the adoption by all States of legislation insuring proper Labour conditions on standards approved by accredited trade unions in the respective countries^ THE CLYDE DEPORTATIONS A BLOW AT PACIFISTS. LONDON, January 28. Received Jannuary 28, 5.5 p.m. At the Labour Conference a commit* tee was appointed to investigate the charges against Mr Arthur Henderson, M.P., and member of the War Cabinet, regarding the Clyde deportations. Mr Henderson said that Mr Lloyd George had not replied to the Conference’s telegram. A resolution was carried by 1,123,000 votes to 1,107,000, providing for the electlon of 16 representatives on the National Executive, affiliated organisations to be restricted to the nomination of one candidate unless their membership exceeds 50000. The charge strikes a blow at’ the pacifist and independent Labourites, and also reduces the Socialist representations, and these sections will possibly withdraw. THE SCHOOL-LEAVING AGE. LONDON, January 27. Received January 28, 5 p.m. The Labour Conference passed a resolution In favour of raising the schoolleaving age to 16 years, and compulsory part time attendance to 18, with better salaries for teachers. SOME FAR-REACHING PROPOSALS. LONDON, January 26. Received January 28, 5 p.m. The Labour Conference passed a resolution protesting against the abuse of the powers of authorities under the Defence of the Realm Act, complaining that military compulsion is being applied Inequitably, and expressing alarm in regard to the proposals in reference to industrial conscription. The Conference unanimously protested against deportations and the use of forced labour in Prance and Belgium, also against the attempts to introduce cheap coloured labour into Britain, and urged the Government should purchase all imported foodstuffs in the countries where they are produced, and arrange for their transport and distribution at inscribed minimum prices; also that the Government should smilarly control home-grown foodstuffs.

A resolution was carried declaring that workers should oppose the Paris Economic Conference policy, and demand free trade in every country, with, safeguards for the maintenance of labour conditions to be fixed by the introduction of trades union agreements.