LABOR CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1917, Page 1

LABOR CONFERENCE.

(Per Press Association —Copyright) ACCEPTS IX VITA TI ON. “ A LIVELY GATHERING. f AUHTHAI.UN A N. 7.. CABLE ASSOCIATION LONDON, Aug. Id The Labour Conference consists of over 600 delegates. The Russian representatives are present. Air. Robinson representing the textile workers moved that the Conference accept the (invitation to Stockholm, provided that it was consultative and not mandatory. Alt- 'Carter (miners’ delegate) seconded. The Chairman (Air. W. F. Purdy) said that no peace would ho satisfactory which' did not secure freedom from the nightmare,of aggressive militarism. Neither Britain nor Russia wanted a separate lienee. They must stand shoulder to shoulder until a righteous peace was obtained. Air. Smellic suggested that ‘the executive approach the American and Belgian Labour movements to got them also to : send delegates to. Stockholm ; also that tin' conference requests - the dominions to send two representatives each.

Tiie chairman replied that the suggestion would be considered. - .r. Sexton (dockers representative) moved an amendment that while agreeing that Air. Henderson was actuated by a sincere desire to serve the best interests of British democracy. Conference was of opinion that no ease lind been made out for the appointment of delegates to a conference, including delegates from enemy countries, an that tlie conference be adjourned sine die. '

A A AMEN DM ENT MO VED

LONDON; Aug. 10

Mr Sexton in moving bis-amendment said that In* lm<l always been loyal to the executive, hut there were' times when loyalty to the exentive meant treason to the rank and file. The resolution meant such treason. When the Germans had repudiated their crimes his objection to meeting them would disappear. ■ Air. Barnes commenting on tlio abV' a . senee of America, Belgium France and Italy from the' Stockholm Conference said that if the British ’ went they would discuss matters with the Germans on the one hand arid Russians on (the other, with the, Dutch arid Scandinavians,, in the. position to make the weight of voting for peace or any terms. The difference between mandatory and consultative was very small and' if they went whether it was the one oivthe other, the position would he the same. He asked whether the present was the best time to discuss terms <>f peace. Cries of “No!” and “Yes!” There was great uproar when Air. Ramsay McDonald rose, to support the resolution and there wa s a passage-at-arms between Air. Will Thorne arid Air. AtaeDonald. The chairman frequently called the meeting to order keeping .. well in hand.

AIR MENDED SON’S CLAIM

LONDON, Aug. 20.

Air. A. Henderson addressing the Labour Conference said that the Russians wanted a conference discuss peace terms. He had pointed out to them that only the Governments could negotiate for peace hut finding, that a conference was inevitable he considered that it was not advisable and dangerous for tlio Russians to confer with the enemy without hearing the British side. He had no alternative to recommending .that the British delegates attend anti provided that satisfactory conditions were laid down he believed that a consultative conference would he productive of good, enabling the German minority Socialists to inform the German people of tile British facts which wore being withheld from their knowledge. ,

SEXTONS AAIENDAIENT LOST. LONDON August 10. The conference by 1,651 00 votes to, .'161,600 rejected Air. Sexton’s amend-’ incut. Delegates will therefore participate in the Stockholm conference. MOTION EASILY f CA RRIED. LONDON, August 10, After the rejection of tue amendment the conference adopted the main resolution by 1,846,000 votes to 550,000: The terms of this resolution making' the conference not mandatory will deprive the Stockholm gathering of the importance once assigned to lit. .MINERS TO PARTICIPATE. LONDON August 10. The Miners’ Federation has decided by 54.1 votes to 184 to participate, in the .Stockholm Conference. This will prohald.v decide the question. AN INJURIOUS GATHERING. LONDON, August 11. Air. G. Roberts, M. P. considered (halb the Stockholm Conference was calculated to injure M. Kerensky’s Government and to sow dissensions. AIR. APPLETON’S CENSURE.. LONDON, August 11. . Air. Appleton secretary of the Trades Union Federation states that Air .Henederson has destroyed the unity of the Allied, Democracy and is jeopardising the unity of the British movement. He (affronted the ,'Dominions’ and American movements.