ORGANISED LABOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 145, 22 June 1931, Page 7

ORGANISED LABOUR

CONFERENCES AT WELLINGTON UNEMPLOYMENT ACT CONDEMNED. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 21. The national executive of New Zealand Labour Party met yesterday. Some 40 candidates already have been nominated to contest the various electorates, and arrangements are under way for the selection of further candidates for both tho North and South Islands. Tho announcement that the Government Lad abandoned tho idea of suspending the No. 5 Scheme was welcomed, and it was decided that whilst its continuance was essential it w r as totally inadequate provide food ana other necessities, and new methods must be introduced under which more productive work would be undertaken and an opportunity given both married and single men to increase their earnings. It was decided that at the earliest opportunity the party would take steps to bring about a reduction of all interest rates. The Wellington Trades and Labour Council this week carried the following motion: “That the Council enters an emphatic protest against the Prime Minister’s repeated statement that the cost of living has been reduced and asks that he take immediate and effective action to bring down the cost of living to compare more favourably with tho reduced wages now being paid to workers, thereby making his oft-repeated statement of equality of sacrifice a statement of fact. Matters of policy and organisation were considered by delegates to the annual conference of tho New Zealand Workers’ Union yesterday. A resolution was carried condemning the Un employment Act as at present constituted and administered, and the opinion was expressed that the Act was increasing unemployment, breaking down union conditions and operating generally against the interests of the workers. The Government was criticised for its refusal to allow public works men to state their case before an independ ent tribunal, and it was agreed that immediately the opportunity presented itself an endeavour should be made on behalf of the men. Delegates pledged themselves to work in their districts to assist the bringing about of a change of Government. It was decided to pursue an organising policy this coming year amongst agricultural and pastoral workers and public works employees, and to protect tho interests of the organisation’s membership to the fullest extent.