“New Look ” At Old Labour Policy

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 14

“New Look ” At Old Labour Policy

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 11

A new look at the old basic policy of the New Zealand Labour Party in the light of modem conditions will be taken by a spearhead committee, the annual conference of the party decided today. This was said by an official of the party (Mr L. C. Hair) commenting on a conference decision on a section of a remit which recommended the Inclusion of the old policy of the socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. The decision of the conference on the remit was that "a committee be set up to prepare for presentation to the next conference a statement covering the aims, ideals, and objectives of the party,” said Mr Hair This was in line with a second section of the remit to the conference. “This committee will have the important task of formulating objective principles which will form a spearhead for the party as a whole,” said Mr Hair. The committee would probably be formed of four of the leaders of the party, including the president • (Dr. A. M. Finlay). The aim of the committee, according to this morning's speakers, will be to gear the aims and In effect the policy of the party to modern conditions. Policy Committee This decision of the conference was also in line with a recommendation from the national executive regarding the setting up of a continuing policy committee. Approval of this recommendation was given by the conference this morning after considering two differing remit sections on announcement of the 1963 election manifesto.

These were (1) that the manifesto be announced at

the conference preceding the elections, and (2) that they be announced at least six months before the elections. Mr Hair said this afternoon that discussion on these remits followed closely the recommendations made by the national secretary of the party (Mr A. J. McDonald) in his annual report. Speakers had said there was a need for a more clearly-organised party to compete with more massive organisation of the National Party, and of the need to work for finance to back the party’s aims and ambitions on a continuing basis.

No Change In Name

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 11. A move to change the Labour Party’s name to the New Zealand Democratic Party was defeated at the party’s annual conference in Wellington today. The remit was brought up by the constitution and rules committee, which recommended its rejection.