LABOUR CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 211, 1 June 1920, Page 4

LABOUR CONFERENCE

THE MEETING AT, GENOA. A cablegram from London states that attention has been drawn to tho abstention of New Zealand from representation at a conference summoned by the International Labour Office to discuss matters directing tho mercantile marine. Tlio International Labour Office is constituted under the League of Nations, and it is to meet at Gcnca on June 15. Tho cablegram mentions that New Zealand "Ims replied to certain investigatory questions which were circulated" and that the notice of tho conference "describes the special position obtaining iu New Zealand." The general secretary of the New Zealand Seamen's Union (Mr. W. T. Young) stated yesterday that it was admitted tho working conditions of tho New Zealand seamen were tho best in thi) world. But the failure of the Dominion to bo represented at the International Conference was not the fault of the seamen, who were particularly interested. Mr. Young staled that he had received advice of tho conference in April. Mr. P. Frascr had at once communicated with the Primo Minister, who had replied in tho second week of May that ho had just received advice of 'the • conference, and that it was too lato lo send a New Zealand delegate. Tho Australian Government, remarked Mr. Young, appeared to havo. had much earlier information of the conference. Mr. Young added that lie hud asked Mr. llavelock Wilson to explain to the conference why New Zealand was not represented. He had not replied to tho investigatory questions issued by tho Labour Office, and tho replies 1 reported to havo been received by the office must have come from tho uovoniment.