LABOR CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 169, 8 July 1908, Page 3

LABOR CONFERENCE.

LABOR'S FUTURE POLIO.

Brisbane, July 7. The Commonwealth Labor Conterence after discussing the rejection of a number of proposals tending to bring its policy more into line witn that of Continental Socialism, re-ai!iniied its objective. This provides for the cultivation of Australian sentiment based upon übc maintenance of national purity, and the development in Australia of an enlightened and self-reliant community, the securing of the full results of their industry to the producers by collective ownership of monopolies, ami the extension of the economic functions of the State and municipalities. Speaking at a banquet, .Mr. Fisher, the" Federal Labor Jx-ader, said it had been said that sonic of the Labor advocates were likely by gong 100 far to endanger the movement, but they nad to remember that a few years ago even such points of the policy of the Labor Party us were now accepted by the Conservatives had been regarded as too advanced. He believed that in future every party 'would claim the policy which Hie Labor Party was now putting forward. Mr. J. C. Watson, the retired Leader of the Party, said the object of the Party should not be to begin with immediate results but rather to hold out to the community of the depressed some beacon for the future—the possibility of improving Mieir own condition and the condition of their children. They could not at present fasten the whole of their attention on the millenium.

Mr. Watson intimated that, though he was severing Sn's connection with the political press at any rate, his connection with the Labor Party would continue as long as he could be of anv use to it.

ADVOCACY OF GRADUATED LAND TAX.

PROTECTING THE CHILDREN. HELPING THE WORKERS.

Received 7th, 11.23 p.m. Brisbane, July 7. Mr. fisher, Leader of the Labor Party.presided over the Commonwealth Labor Conference, and it was decided, after a long debate, that the graduated land tax on unimproved value be imposed on estates over CitWO in value. Mr. Fisiher iu a speech at luncheon, said lie looked forward to the tune (•hen every child attending school would be periodically examined by a doctor, and protected against the ravages of disease, and. if necessary, properly clothed and fed as well. He.uivoreil proceeding by way of the law to help the workers. There were two ways open, namely, universal strikes and providing the necessary course to see that workers get a just remuneration, lie believed in the latter nieMiod, and he lielicved they had reached a stage in Australia where, with universal suffrage and educated democracy, they could do in Parliament .what the could not accomplish; by a j universal strike.

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING.

Received Bth, 12.21 a.m. Brisbane, July 7. After a vigorous discussion on inc eighth plank of the existing platform, dealing with military protection, it is understood delegates agreed to the es- | tablisfcmentmf a system of compulsory training of all males between certain ages, also favoring the establishment of a purely Australian Navy for coastal defence, the money for the purpose to be raised by direct taxation. The establishment 'of a. Commonwealth , Bank was made a plank of the lighting platform, and the initiation of a Commonwealth insurance scheme made a I plank of the general platform.