FEDERATION OF LABOUR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1455, 1 June 1912, Page 3

FEDERATION OF LABOUR.

e OFFICIAL REPORT. TRANSPORT DISPUTE: COMMON CAUSE. At yesterday's sitting of the conference Bf the Federation of Labour, Mr. P. 0. iWebb presided. ,__... The delegates who' had visited Waihi gave a report of their mission. A lengthy discussion took place on the subject of preference to unionists, but to final decision was reached. Federation in Politics. In the afternoon the following: remit from'tfic''Waihr\Miners'"'Union was defeated: "That this conference is strongly bf opinion that the. time has arrived svhen the question of politics should be omitted from • the work 1 or consideration of thcNew Zealand Federation of Labour. The political question, in our opinion, should be loft in the hands of the Socialist party, which would Rive political expression to the industrial intelligence.' "• It- was moved by Messrs. 3. Dowgray and J. Newman (Granity miners): That a political party 1)0 formed in conjunction with the New Zealand Federation of Labour." The remit was defeated by 97 votes to Mr. J. B. King moved, and Mr. E. Canham seconded: "That to the end of promoting solidaiuty on the industrial field and securing necessary discipline within, the New Zealand Federation of Lahour refuses all alliances, direct or indirect, with existing political parties or anti-political sects and disclaims responsibility for any individual opinion or act which may bo at variance with the principles of this organisation." Mr. P. Hick'ey moved, and Mr. C. M. Briggs seconded, the following amendment:—"That for the purpose cf contesting elections, the branches of the federation in tho area involved may set up an (Election Committee prepared to conform with the objective of the federation, and proceed to elect a candidate and run the same. The federation to bo in no way responsible for tho financial expenses incurred-" No decision had been reached when the fconferenco rose. Deputations, Mr. A..E. R. Hartley was welcomed to the conference. A deputation from the Drivers Federation waited upon, the conference and was cordially received. Tho deputation was composed of Messrs. Hunter, Ingels, M'Kenzie, Blackie, and Smith. Transport Strike. Tho following cable' message was Tead fai conference:— "Transport dispute. Boycott all London-bound vessels—Bon iiLJett;' It was decided to cable back:— "Ben Tillett, London. Federation make iconiraon cause.—Glover." Mass Meeting. Tho Federation of Labour will hold .a. second mass meeting in the Opera House on Sunday night, when a contingent of selected speakers wi 1 deal with The vorld-wide and bcal industrial « nnea " •. Tho federation is anxious that the public ehould hear its view of the situation and its remedy.