ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF COMMUNIST PARTY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 14, 12 October 1943, Page 6

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF COMMUNIST PARTY

Branches in the Wellington district were represented by 51 delegates at the 1943 annual conference of the Wellington district of the Communist Party ot New Zealand, which was held on Saturday and Sunday in the Trades Hall, Wellington. Practically all industries were represented and included many members who have served or are serving in the armed forces. Mr. A. Galbraith presided. The district committees report, presented by Dr. 11. Silverstone, covered th-2 war, international situation, home front, ’ elections, national unity, labour movement, the armed forces, and the development of the Communist Party. The annual report, presented by Mr. B. Skilton, secretary of the district committee. stated that membership of the party ■had more than doubled in the past year. Several campaigns had been conducted, notable among which was that of support for the Liberty Loan. In its efforts to secure iucreased production the party had organized poster displays and. had addressed a number of factory meetings. The main task which emerged was the need to build national unity, and this, it was agreed, could only be built on the basis of a united Labour movement. The election of officers resulted: — Chairman, Mr. A. Galbraith; vice-chair-man, Mrs. C. Birchfield; secretary, Mr. A. B. Skilton. . The following resolution was passed and has been forwarded to the Prime Minister: — “This conference wishes to accord .o the Government its warmest congratulations on its recent re-election. “Conference sees in the victory of the Government the endorsement of the people generally for the Governments policy of mobilizing and pledging the entire resources of the Dominion so that New Zealand can play its full part in the defeat of the Axis Powers.. “Conference sees also in the Government’s victory the endorsement of the people for the progressive legislation in social affairs that has attended Labours rule in New Zealand, as well as.thc confidence of the people in the ability of a Labour Government to make adequate provision for social development and care of the returned servicemen after the w’ar. “The Communist Party has made . it clear in the past, and once again reaffirms its attitude that it regards the war against Fascism as taking precedence over all*other needs at the moment, and pledges full support for the Govern-.jneut-.,t0. this end.”