LABOUR PARTY FACTIONS

Southland Times, Issue 23793, 15 April 1939, Page 8

LABOUR PARTY FACTIONS

Further Action Is

Expected DIFFERENCES OF OPINION Financial Policy Of Government Although by its resolution the Labour Party conference has declined to pass censure on Mr J. A. Lee and other members whose views have for some months been known to be antagonistic to those of the Cabinet, none but the most* fervent members of the party believes that the last has been heard of the incidents which have led to such serious and earnest discussions this week, says a special message to The Press, Christchurch, from Wellington. Because it is felt that the opinions of some members cannot be completely reconciled to the financial policy of the Government, further developments are expected. If it is accepted finally the resolution expressing confidence in the Parliamentary Party means that no action will be taken and that delegates have confidence in their parliamentary member to observe fully their pledge, “to support the objective, principles, platform, methods and' decisions of the party.” However, few delegates are convinced that the National Executive will allow the matter to rest there, especially as the position of members who are said to be disaffected will probably be discussed again in the conference when the committee on constitution brings down its report on the Kaipara Labour Representation Committee’s remit. This reads, “That the words, ‘methods and decisions’ be deleted from membership tickets.” >

Already it is freely mentioned that, after the discussions at the conference and public disclosures this week, the National Executive will take further action. OFFICIAL DENIALS Any split within the ranks is being emphatically denied officially, but a divergence of views on policy has been openly displayed, and the rank and file believe that disciplinary measures must be taken to uphold the Government. Much speculation has been made as to the numerical strength likely to be attached to the critical elements within the ranks of the Parliamentary Labour Party, and at most eight members have been named as probable defections from the Government if a split were forced. In the event of no definite action being taken by the national executive, Labour Representation Committees, whose candidates have been elected with party support are likely to take action—not immediately, but at some future time —under the section of the rules dealing with the selection of parliamentary candidates which reads: “When any parliamentary constituency is to be contested, the Labour Representation Committee shall, by circular or by a notice inserted in the official organ, call for nominations for a selection ballot to determine who shall be the candidate. At least two clear weeks shall be allowed for the receipt of nominations, provided: (a) That in any by-election the selection of candidates shall be determined by the national executive; (b) failing nomination by a local organization, the national executive may nominate a candidate for any constituency; (c) if appealed to by a Labour Representation Committee, the national executive may review and finally determine the result of a selection ballot, and the selection of a candidate.” PROPOSED AMENDMENT After debates this week great interest is focused on the proposed amendment by the Auckland women’s branch that an amendment be made to provide that no sitting Labour member of Parliament shall be subjected to a selection ballot if he has carried out his duties in a satisfactory manner.

Reports of discussions at the conference, with special relation to caucus differences and financial criticisms, were fully discussed on Thursday without any definite resolution being carried Delegates were warned, however, of the need for observing their pledge of secrecy. Reporting the discussion on the leakage of news, The Evening Post states: “Since the conference opened on Monday last fairly full and entirely unofficial reports of certain phases of the proceedings have been published, and they have aroused considerable interest, especially as they elaborated certain topics that have for some time past been,the subjects of quite widespread rumours. One of these concerned a pamphlet reputed to be written by Mr J. A. Lee, M.P., Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, attack-

ing the Government on its financial policy.” Apparently the conference talked out the subject of disclosures without reaching any definite decision.