African Affairs.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1922, Page 3

African Affairs.

, (JSTKALIAN AND N.Z. CAHI.K ASSOCIATION. SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS. I (Received tliis tiny at S.3*t a.iii.f ' CAPETOWN, November 2. Mr Cresswell’s proposal to scrap the ■ Socialistic objective clause in the La- ( lljour Party’s constitution which is the j • primary objective embodied therein, | has caused widespread interest and , comment in Johannesburg. The clause lavs down the socialisation of mines, and industry, and distribution of exchange to be controlled by the deinocrntic state in the interest of the whole ~ country. > In a statement to the “Star”, Mr Oesswell says that owing to a wild s misinterpretation in many quarters the clause acts as n stumbling block j and alienates the support of many who me in entire agreement with the party’s attitude and orftctieal policy. The second clause in the Constitution advocating securing for pi estovers whether by hand or brain, the full fruits of < their industry and most equitable distrilhution on the basis of common ow- , nersliip of the means of iic, and best system of popular idministiation : n each industry makes the party’s attitude sufficiently clear, and is the same objective as put forward by the British Labour Party. Notwithstanding this explanation, the general opinion is that the announcement is made in fulfilment of a bargain with the Nationnl- . ists. . Mr Hertzog says Mr Cresswel’s attitude is wise for labour and for South Africa. He is convinced that Marxian Socialism will never find favour in South Africa. LABOUR MOVE. CAPETOWN, November 2. Confirmation i$ lent a statement to tho effect that the Nationalists and Labor Party have agreed to drop certain planks in the platform in order to co-operate against the Government by the announcement of a message received from Bloemfontein Labour meeting from Mr Cresswell suggesting the party drop the Socialistic clause in the constitution pointing out there was no such clause in the British Lnibour Constitution. The proposal was unanimously adopted. Meantime the Nationalist leaders including Mr Hertzog are stating that Republicanism was never an avowed policy of the party. This is intended to placpte thp loyal Labourites.