REPLY TO MR. HOLMAN.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1977, 6 February 1914, Page 7

REPLY TO MR. HOLMAN.

• • BY LEAGUE SECRETARY. SOLIDARITY OP THE LABOUR MOVEMENT AND SUIWLOUS ORATORY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Gopyrinht (Rcc. February 5 S 9.35 p.m.) Sydney, February 5. Mr. Grant, secretary of the Labour League, replying to Mr. liulman's criticisms, says that tho remarks reported as made by Mr. Helman seem to incorrectly describe the position at the annual conference. .The movement was convened for the purpose of giving expression to the political views of tho organisation, crystallising the progress made during the past year, and giving directions to the Ministry as to what tho organisation requires during tho coming year.

Every delegate to tho conference — quite- irrespective of the membership of the' league or the union ho way repro sent—has equal voting power on ovcry question submitted for consideration. In coming to a decision approving tho action of the executive in refusing endorsement to Mr. Page, the delegates unquestionably were, actuated by a desire to maintain tho solidarity of tlio movement, just as Mr. Holman was, no doubt, when some years ago lie was largely instrumental in securing the solidarity pledge. The conference this year upheld the decision of tho spetrial conference in 19111 when, after much consideration, it instructed tho executive- ,not to- eftdorse any candidate who opposed or failed to support proposals to amend tho Federal 'Constitution. It was inevitable that at tho annual conference, jtist as it was inevitable in tho State Parliament-) Botao supevflftotis oratorical efforts would take place.