Labour Ideals.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1922, Page 1

Labour Ideals.

- - ABOLISHING MILITARY DISCIPLINE. SYDNEY, Jan. 11. Drastic alterations in regard to navigation laws and defence are included in the final re-drafting of the Federal platform and constitution ot the Australian Labour Party. s On these subjects the platform now reads as follows :

Navigation laws to provide tor the protection of Australian shipping against unfair competition, the registintion of a!) vesesls engaged in the coastal trade ; the efficient manning of vessels ; the proper supply of life-saving and other equipment; the regulation of hours and conditions ol work; proper accent mod:: ton lor passengers and seamen,; proper loadng gear and inspection of same; compulsory insurance of crews by shipowners against accidents or death.

An amendment is sought ol the Defence Act to secure the deletion of all clauses relating i-> < onqmlsor;. Li fining and service, the abolition ol trial by court-martial where civil courts are available, any route mo imposed by a court-martial to be subject to review by ft civil court; no penalties to be imposed except in pursuance ol explicit enactments of the Commonwealth Parliament; the limitation of professional soldiers to the necessary instruction arid administrative and working staff; tho abolition of military oaths; the nholitirih of distinction between commissioned and non-commissioned officers; the recognition of the principle rif the election of qualified candidates as officers; the salute arid other useless discipline to fie abolished ; the eitirtfelis -on completion of training to retain the arms delivered to them during their training; no raising of forces for service outside the Commonwealth, or participation in any future overseas war except bv a decision ol the people