LABOUR PARTY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 240, 4 July 1919, Page 10

LABOUR PARTY

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPENED,

The fourth annual conference of tho New Zealand Labour Party was opened at tho Trades Hall yesterday. The Hon. J. T. Paul, M.L.C., national president, was in the chair, and the following delegates were present: Auckland, Messrs. M. J. Savage, W. E. Parry, and E. 1\ Barber; Wellington, Messrs. P. Eraser, M.P., .T. Eead, P. Cornwall, and E. Jl'Kcen; Gisborne, Mr. D. V. Coleman; Christchurch, Messrs. P. E. Cooke, H. T. Armstrong, and N. Bell; Dunodin, Messrs. A. Walker, M.1 , ., and .T. S. I.oydell; New Plymouth, Mr. W. Nash; Bu'.ler and Grey, Messrs. H. E. Holliiml, M.P., nnd N. Wairen; Timarii, Mr. J. Donnelly; Palmerston North, Messrs. J. itobertson and J. Ilodgeu; King Couutry. Mr, E, Scrapie, M.P. Tho president, in opening the proceedings, stated that the party, wan stronger now than ever before. It had a great opportunity, which might no* occur again in the lifetime of tho dolegates. He mentioned questions of organisation and tho plans of tho party for tbo general election. The .conference devqted most of tho day to the discussion of matters of detail and internal organisation. The Hon. J. T. Paul was ic-eltctea president unanimously. A vote of thanks was accorded Glover "for his able and sclf-sacrifieins work as secretary of the movement for many- years."

The following amendment to the constitution was adopted: "The executive shall consist of n president, vice-presi-dent, secretary-treasurer, and a coinuiitteo of twelve. The president, -viee-presi-dent, and secretary-treasurer shall bo elected by a plebiscite of the members of tho party. Tho committee of twelrn eliaJl bo representative of every part of tho Dominion, and shall lie elected by tho local Labour representation committed!, which shall bo'grouped numerically and geographically." Tho conference adjourned until this morning, when it will proceed with th« consideration of remits.