MR LANG’S BOLD POLICY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18844, 6 April 1931, Page 9

MR LANG’S BOLD POLICY.

Five Year Plan Proposed. STRAIGHT BID FOR SOCIALISM. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyi v ght (Received April 5, 5.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 5. Mr Lang’s declaration in favour of the socialisation of industry was quickly followed up yesterday at the Labour Conference by a series of startling proposals, the most important of which is a “three year plan of social transition.” The plan aims at vesting in the people’s Government, the ownership and control of all property and the administration of all industries, including banking by national and industrial commissions and subcommissions, with the workers and producers directly represented thereon. The scheme is sponsored by Mr W. McNamara, a brother-in-law of the Premier (Mr Lang), and Mr J. N. Garden. The debate on the proposal has not been concluded. DECISION OF CONFERENCE. PROPOSAL APPROVED BY NARROW MAJORITY. United Pres* Association—By E’ectrle Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 6, 12.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 5. The Labour Conference by a narrow majority to-night adopted the socialisation scheme. LABOUR IN CONFERENCE. MR LANG SUPPORTED. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, April 4. The Conference endorsed the attitude of the Executive for its resolute handling of the situation which developed in the Federal sphere during recent months. The action of the Executive in the conduct of the East Sydney by-election, and its adoption of the Lang plan, and the decision to ignore the recent Federal Conference were completely vindicated, and Mr E. G. Theodore was definitely placed outside the Labour Party movement. All other Labour members of the New South Wales Federal Party who do not accept the declaration of local autonomy, made by the 1928 Conference, will find themselves without endorsement. The move sponsored by the Australian Workers’ Union to appoint a Committee to explore avenues for reconciliation with the Federal Executive was overwhelmingly defeated. The interest in the proceedings was indicated by the presence on the platform of over 30 members of Parliament. That the Socialisation of industry was the “true solution of Australia’s problems” was the view expressed by Mr J. T. Lang in a vigorous speech in support of his financial proposals before te Labour Conference. He declared that his Bill to reduce interest touched on the fringe of the socialisation of credit. He contended that his scheme, known as the “Lang Plan,” was a step towards the objective of the Labour movement. ATTITUDE IN FEDERAL LEADERS. MR LANG’S FUTILE POLICY EXPOSED. United Pres* Association—By Electrle Telegraph—Copyright MELBOURNE, April 4. Addressing the Labour Conference, Mr J. H. Scullin declared that the proposals made by the New South Wales section of the movement would lead to further disaster. Nothing would add more to the distress of the unemployed than such proposals, as private investors would withdraw from industry. It was announced at the Conference that the Premier, Mr E. J. Hogan, had declined to give an assurance that he would carry out the decisions of the Conference. Mr E. G. Theodore, in a statement, asks: “What has Mr Lang’s heroic repudiation plan accomplished?” He has not removed any burden from the people of New South Wales. All he has done is to shoulder responsibility on to the Commonwealth which, in turn, must collect the money from this State. Mr Lang is in no better position than before to put men to work. He is, indeed, in a definitely worse position. People are removing their money out of the State, because they are fearful of what Mr Lang will do next. GOOD NAME OF N.S.W. MUST BE RESTORED WITHOUT DELAY. (Received April 5, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, April 5. The “Sunday Times” says the Commonwealth Government has taken up a heavy burden, but clearly the affair cannot be allowed to end here. It is hoped the electorate of New South Wales will take the earliest opportunity to restore the prestige of the State. UPROAR AT CONFERENCE. “BASHER GANGS” DENOUNCED. SYDNEY, April 4. Disorderly scenes marked the opening of the Easter Labour Conference at the Trades Hall. During the discussion on the annual report, Mr A. P. McPherson, former organising secretary of the Australian Labour Party, alleged that a “basher gang” was employed by the A.L.P. to stifle interruptions. Uproar followed, and a motion was unanimously carried that he should be no longer heard. / -