THE LABOR PARTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1924, Page 1

THE LABOR PARTY.

THE LENIN CABLEGRAM. PROTEST NOT RELISHED. WELLINGTON, .March IS Though no public statement has been made, it is known that the Laobur Party has not relished the protest made by Air M’Combs against the despatch nf a cablegram to Russia sympathising with the Soviet in Lenin’s death. It is thought that more will be heard of the matter when tlie House meets, with a view to eliciting where the Labour Party really stands in relation to Russia.

It is said that it is unlikely the party will take drastic steps against Air M’Combs, hut it i.s certain that more will he heard of the matter at the annual conference at Easter. At the last meeting of the national executive, it was decided that the whole circumstances connected with the executive’s action and Mr Al’Combs’s objection thereto should he embodied in the executive’s report to the annual conference. The Hu it Labour Representation Committee, at a recent ineeting endorsed the action of the national executive in sending the cablegram to Russia, it being urged that “such little acts of comradeship, simple though they may appear to be, would play a big part in the construction of that spirit of internationalism so essential to the future of civilisation.”

Anticipating the possibility of a general election at a fairly early date, the Labour Party is actively organising throughout the Dominion. Labour is in real earnest, and there are those who feel that every seat in the Dominion should be contested. Exactly what attitude Labour will take in tbe House next session is not clear yet, but it is thought that an effort may be made to strike a blow at the Government by framing a suitable no-confidence motion on the housing and State advances question, with the object of gaining the support of all Liberals and any wavering Reformers. Coming events are said to cast their shadows before ; therefore it is interesting to note that, on a request from the national executive, the Hutt Labour Representation 'Committee decided ■ to call for nominations for the approved list of party candidates. It also was decided to eall for nominations for candidates to contest the parliamentary selection ballot. Nominations will close on June 30.