A LABOUR DEMONSTRATION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2511, 12 July 1915, Page 7

A LABOUR DEMONSTRATION

In connection with the annual conference of the Social Democratic Party (which will be opened on Tuesday in AVellington), a successful demonstration was held last night at the Peoplo's Picture Palace, -Wellington.' There was a crowded attendant#. Mr. H. Hunter (Christchurch) chairman, and the speakers were Iffrs. P. Hickey (Wellington) and-Messrs. Heffron (Auckland), 11. Holland (Wellington), R. Semple (West Coast), Rod. ltoss (Feilding), J. M'Cartby (Duncdin), and l tho Rev. M. Ayrtou (RunSnga). Tho chairman moved tho following resolution : 1 'That this "meeting, recognising that political solidarity and independence are essentials of Labour, and that such can only be achieved by the workers organising as a distinct Labour Party, reaffirms its confidence in the Social Democratic Party as the natural working class political'organisation, and calls upon the workers of New Zealand to unite in its support." Speaking to the • resolution, Mr. Hunter said that marked progress had been made'by the party in the past year, and they would not jeopardise their independence by any association with any proposed coalition. Mr. Heffron, seconded tho rnsnlution. Mr. I?«cl. Ross, supporting' tho resolution, said the workers may have required tho Liberal Party as a wet nurso in the past, but they had: now grown up, and intended to'have their own political party-fthe Social Democratic Party. ' i Mrs. Hickey and the Eev. M. Ayrton, and Messrs. R.' Semple, H. ■ Holland, and M'Carthy also spoke,'and the resolution was carried unanimously. A demonstration was also .held at Ranfurly Hall, Petonc, last night, under the auspices of the Petone branch of the party.- Messrs. P. Cook (national vicepresident), of Christchurch, ■ and P. Fraser (national secretary) ■ were the principal speakers. A resolution expressing confidence in : the Social Democratic Party as- the political'.expression of the working class movement was carried unanimously.