UNITED LABOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10679, 28 January 1913, Page 3

UNITED LABOUR.

THE WELLINGTON CONFERENCE,

REMARKS BY Ml HUNTER

Mr H.< Hunter, who was a delegate to the Labour Conference held in Wellington last week, and who returned to Christchurch this morning, agrees with other delegates from this city that the gathering was very , successful, and will have a marked effect 011 the future of Labour in this dominion.

In an interview to-day, Mr Hunter said that the first wise step taken by the Conference was the appointihent of tlie Hon J. Rigg to the position of chairman. He discharged the duties admirably. As to the spirit,of the Conference, every delegate seemed to -have a wish to bring to ail end the dissension of the past. The greatest fight, was around the motion that the Executive of the United Labour Party should send delegates to the Conference. As soon- as the motion was carried unity was won. There was a unanimous determination to make the congress in Wellington, 011 July 2, thoroughly representative of the Labour forces of New Zealand, and the most important congress of Labour in the Southern Hemisphere. A scheme for the constitutions of the industrial body and the political body would be submitted to the Unions and to all political Labour organisations, and tho wishes of the rank and file would be ascertained. There was a deep wish that only one body should guide Labour's destinies in New Zealand. When all workers were united in that body, the majority could safely set out the policy and platform. A pleasing feature of the Conference was the way in which the leaders came together, and showed that they would let bygones be bygones, and would work side by side. 'Afeetings would be held in the four large centres, and at them representatives of the present- parties would occupy the same platform. The first meeting in Christchurch would be held on Sunday evening, when Professor W. T. Mills and Mr R. Semple Mould give addresses.

In Wellington 011 Sunday orating last, Mr Hunter added, a highly successful meeting was held in the Empress Theatre. Mr 10. Tregear presided, and the- speakers were Professor Mills, Mr Semple, Mr W. T. Young and Mr H. Holland, a gentleman who was visiting New Zealand, and who was associated with progressive movements in England. Those present clearly demonstrated their approval of the announcement hv the speakers that unity had been brought about at last.