AUSTRALIAN LABOUR CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 17, 14 October 1921, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN LABOUR CONFERENCE

WARM DEBATE ON PARTY’S OBJECTIVE MR. THEODORE’S WARNING OF DANGER OF A SPLIT By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Brisbane, October 13. At the Labour conference, after the resolution that socialisation of industry, production, distribution, and exchange be the objective of the party was carried, there was a warm debate on the details of the scheme. Mr. Theodore warned dolegates that if the conference adopted certain proposals contained in tho agenda, including the establishment of an elective eoonomio council by all nationalised industry, it would mean the end of the Labour movement. They had changed the objective of the party, and might: as well change tho name to the Communist Party. There was bound’ to be a split in tho movement, as the ostensible object was to pander to certain extreme industrialists. Supporters of the agenda contended that present methods had failed, and something more progressive was necessary. Tho majority of the speakers, however. were opposed to extremist and Communistic ideals, nnd eventually an •amendment was carried by 21 votes to 10 in favour of employing constitutional methods in securing tho objective of the party. A resolution was adopted in favour of a caucus and Press campaign.—Press Assn.