LABOR UNITY CONGRESS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 42, 25 June 1913, Page 6

LABOR UNITY CONGRESS.

Wellington, June 25

An important statement embodying a summary of the proposals to be submitted at the Unity of Labour Congress was made to a Post reporter by Mr T. Young, chairman of the Unity

Committee, who said the workers were approaching a period in the political and industrial history which was unique. Some 300 delegates had been appointed to the Congress, which was the largest gathering of labour delegates yet held in the Southern Hemisphere. The issue would be of paramount importance,having for its fundamental object the binding together of the workers in one political-industrial organisation.

The platform includes to reduce residential qualification for old age pensions to 15 years, and the age limit: males 60, females 50. As for No-License the bare majority should rule in all questions submitted to tho popular vote. The Arbitration Court should undertake, on its own motion on the petition of any industrial body, the hearing in regard to prices cluA'ged for services or commodities in common use and also have power to make awards in such a way that wages may increase with all advancement in selling prices; to - fix the.selling prices of commodities' and services as it now fixes the price of human labor. With regard to defence it is proposed to (abolish the present Act for a scheme iibat will be met by a citizen army- on a, voluntary b,asi&- with regular ' standard :wages fpi* all service's, and it to be provided that these'troops should never be used in industrial disputes; officers to be elected by the men and class distinction abolished. ( g ■ • . ■- , With regard to international peace, provision to be made yearly by agreement amongst the Powers for a reduction' of military naval expenditure, with ultimate disarmament in view. The endowment of'motherhood is advocated, and that infant life, protection should be provided for, besides free hospitals and medical aid.. Pensions to widows and orphans are advocated on the Australian system. Newspapers, postage, State-owned ships, a State-owned bank, the extension of the present P.O. Bank to! conduct international transactions are also on the list.