LABOUR REMITS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3274, 4 March 1937, Page 7

LABOUR REMITS

“COMMUNISTIC TOUCH”

CATHOLIC PAPER’S CRITICISM.

“The influence of a very aggressive element is discernible in the tone of some of the remits submitted for consideration at the forthcoming annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party, to be held in Wellington on March 29,” says “Zealandia,” the Auckland Roman Catholic fortnightly newspaper in an editorial. “Here and there is a frankly Communistic touch, as for instance, in the recommendation ‘that the Education Department alter the present classroom psychology from one of Imperialism and pi’ofit economics, to one of internationalism and socialist economics.’ “This was sponsored by several branches. Another remit advocates the ‘appointment of a Minister of Propaganda.’ It would be highly interesting to know the precise nature of the business that would occupy the official attention of the propaganda bureau, and also what channels and methods would be employ'Wed. A very wide range is covered Jrijy the remits to the conference, inv effing references to Spanish relief funds and the advisability of sending a delegation to Russia in 1937. “The remits are certainly significant. At the last Parliamentary elections, which placed the Labour Party in power, the Communist candidates polled a negligible number of votes. This fact, however, may be quite misleading. . . The tone of the remits mentioned indicates the strong influence of a Communist element within the trades unions. That of course is in keeping with the approved lines of action as followed in Britain and elsewhere. The situation is charged with danger to the sound Labour movement, and calls for watchfulness and prompt action on the part of those who are concerned to preserve the constitutional ideal. The conference, indeed, seems likely to provide worthy opportunity for Catholic trades imion•ists to prove theii* mettle.”'