LABOUR PARTY’S CONFERENCE

Southland Times, Issue 25514, 7 November 1944, Page 3

LABOUR PARTY’S CONFERENCE

POLITICAL SITUATION CONSIDERED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, November 6. Approximately 400 delegates representing 54 Labour Representation Committees, 110 unions, and 213 branches were present for the opening in Wellington of the annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party. “The past year also was election year, and despite an expensive campaign by the National Party, aided by Mr J. A. Lee’s attempt to split the vote, we were again returned with a good working majority,” stated the annual report. It was emphasized, however, that the result did not give cause for complacency. Thanks were conveyed to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, for his able leadership of the Government. Reference was also made in the report to the leadership of the national president, Mr J. Roberts, to the need for increased branch activity, to the Empire Labour Conference and to meetings of farmers’ committees in Wellington.

Referring to the political situation, the report emphasized "that the existing position called for constant vigilance. At the afternoon session the national secretary, Mr M. Moohan, submitted a report on the conference of the Labour parties of the British Commonwealth held in London, at which he was the New Zealand delegate. Details of the Declaration of Principles issued at the conclusion of the conference were given by Mr Moohan. This - emphasized Labour’s great opportunity to march in the forefront of the world movement towards Socialism. WARTIME CONTROLS

“The principal wartime financial controls should be maintained till more permanent and satisfactory arrangement can be made,” it was stated. “Banks and other financial institutions should be made the servants of the community. Funds available for investment should be brought under national and international control and direction, all with the view of ensuring full employment, higher production and raising the standards of living everywhere. There should also be international arrangements for as much stability as possible in foreign exchange rates. Wartime arrangements for bulk purchase through State agencies of foodstuffs and raw materials should continue. They improve methods and reduce the cost of distribution in international trade. Every extension of socialism makes it easier to plan employment as a whole. “Tomorrow morning’s session will be devoted mainly to the report of the Parliamentary Committee, presented by the Prime Minister.

'The elections and remits will be the main business at the afternoon and evening sessions.