A Third Political Party.

Manawatu Herald, 24 September 1904, Page 2

A Third Political Party.

LABOUR TO ASSERT ITSELF. THE PREMIER’S OPINION. In April last the Trades and Labour Conference, held in Christchurch, passed a resolution as follows: “ That this conference is of opinion that an Independent Labour party should be formed immediately, to effectively organise and secure proper representation in Parliament and , on municipal and other bodies; to secure (a) such legislation as will be for the benefit of the people and the colony as a whole, and (b) to conserve and pro* tect the rights already secured to the people.” When a deputation from the Conference waited on the Premier last night to urge the consideration of a number of subjects, Mr Seddon asked for some information regarding the new party. It was explained by Mr 'J. T. Paul (Otago) that the Conference had not meant to bring the matter the Premier just then, but he explained that the resolution was the outcome of a feeling that more could be done for the cause of progress by the establishment of a distinct and definite Labour Party. There need be no fear on the part ot the Government as to which side the party would support. The formation of a Labour Party, with a distinct platform, would, it was considered. do more service to the progressive partv than if the Labour Party lost its idenity. The Premier explained that he had referred to the matter in order to discover whether there was a grievance, and whether the deputation thought that labour had suffered through the collaboration pf the Liberal and Labour parties. He had been actuated by a desire to give the deputation an opportunity to point out to him where labour had suffered by the joint working of those parties ; and he was well satisfied with the attitude of the deputation. He expressed the opinion, however, that the experience of Australia had shown that the Labour Partv there were approaching the existing position here. If it came to parting, however, he was sure that they would part on the best of terras,

although, if it had not been that the party represented by the deputation had been part of the Liberal Party, the advanced legislation on onr statute books would never have been attained. His fear was that a secession might drive away trom the Labour Party those who had been working harmoniously with it. He concluded by expressing his pride in his position as Minister of Labour and head of the party, but lie added that if he was in future to be merely the head of the Libera! Party, the responsibility of the change would lie with the Labour Party. No doubt (ney would weigh the position carefully.—Post.