WORLD LABOUR ORGANISATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 268, 13 November 1945, Page 5

WORLD LABOUR ORGANISATION

THE NZ- DELEGATES

COMMENT ON CONFERENCE HELD IN PARLS (Special Correspondent—N.Z.P.A.) Recd. 7.5 p.m. London, Nov. 12. That the International Labour Organisation must continue its work was the firm impression of delegates of 43 countries attending the organisation’s conference in Paris, stated members of the New Zealand delegation, on their return to London. Led by the Hon. P. C. Webb, they are Messrs. Moston, Duff, Butler. Kemp, Perry and Stanley. Consideration, they said, is still being given to the relationsnip of the 1.L.0. to the United Nations Organisation. A working party, c’r committee, had been appointed, which will consult with the U.N.O. on the manner in which the 1.L.0. will lit into its framework. Certain definite decisions were taken at the Paris conference. Firstly, th? 1.L.0. severed all connection with the League of Nations; secondly, it framed its constitution to ensure that it can function! either with the U.N.O. or outside it, if necessary. The conference was also definite that it should retain its tripartite composition of Government employers' and workers’ representatives, and although this presented certain difficulties to Russia it was hoped that the Soviet would ultimately become a member. There was considerable discussion regarding the obligation of the State members of the 1.L.0. to ratify the conventions, or decisions, of the conference. Some States ratified more than others. Thus New Zealand had

done so on 23 out of 62 conventions, the others of which were already covered bv existing legislation. The United States on the other hand, ratified none, due to certain constitutional difficulties. But at the same time much of its legislation conformed with the conventions.

Certain important, resolutions were adopted in Paris. Firstly, one on full employment, to the effect that countries will regard the provision of work as a civic right; secondly, definite standards should be observed for industry in dependent territories; thirdly, protective measures should be introduce i to cover young persons employed in industry. This last subject will again be discussed next year. The New Zealand delegates said that, apart from minor rifts, all the discussions at the conference were most cordial. On the social side there were several pleasant events, the most memorable of which was (he reception given by General de Gaulle at Versailles.