LABOUR CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143472, 20 April 1911, Page 3

LABOUR CONFERENCE.

UNDILUTED SOCIALISM.

THE END IN VIEW.

Per Press Association

CHRISTCHURCH, April 19.The Trades and Labour Conference was resumed to-day. Tho president was requested to confer with Mr. Webb, president of tho Miners' Federation of Labour, os to a conference for the purposes of considering amalgamation. It was decided that the conference be represented at the conference of tho Now Zealand Labour . Party, and Messrs. Reardon, Paul, and Horning were appointed a deputation to wait on that conference.

A lengthy discussion ensued on a remit proposing that tho. constitution bo amended to provide that tho objective should be the “socialisation of tho moans of production, distribution, and pxchango.” As an amendment, Mr. M'Larcn moved: “That tho general objective of tho Federation should bo public ownership of tho moans of production, distribution and exchange by means ;of democratic reforms enacted and administered in tho interests of tho collective body of the people.” This was agreed to by 12 votes to 6. A further amendment was proposed by Mr. Breen as follows, “To maintain v upon tho Statute book all progressive legislation that lias already boon enacted, and to insist upon its sympathetic and proper administration; to enact comprehensive measures and establish such conditions ■as will foster and ensure equality of opportunity, also the moral, material, and educational advancement and general comfort and well-being of tho whole people, based upon the gradual ownership of all tho means of production, distribution, and exchange.” This was agreed to by 11, to 7. When it was put as a substantive motion Mr. W. <T. Young contended that Mr. Breon’s proposal was no objective at all. It was a string of inconsequential objects of a wisliy-washy character. He complained that ho had been trapped by the Wellington and Dunodin delegates. Tho procedure followed was disgusting, and was of tho sort that drove men out of tho movement. Ho would move a further amendment that tho three proposals which had been submitted to the conference bo referred to a plebiscite of the unions.

Mr. Horning seconded th(s. Mr. Whiting raised a point of order that Mr. Young’s amendment was out of order, and the chairman upheld this objection. Mr. Breen’s motion was carried on the voices. Mr. Young then gave notice of motion in the terms of his amendment. The president (Mr. Reardon) reported that he had conferred with Mr. Webb, who reported that he was unable to got the members of the Miners’ Federation to Christchurch in loss than a week's time. The best ho could do was to consult members of. tho executive by post and telegraph for tho best suggestions they could make regarding tho proposed conference. A remit proposing deletion from the constitution of the clause dealing with political action was agreed to. The incoming executive was instructed to apply for registration of tho Federation under the Unclassified Societies Act. Tho conference congratulated tho Wellington Trades Council on securing a poll tor tho Saturday halfholiday, and wished it success. The conference then adjourned till to-morrow.

THE LABOUR PARTY.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 19.

The conference of tho New Zealand Labour Party opened this evening. Mr. R. Slater was elected chairman, and Mr. H. Hunter secretary. It was decided to exclude newspaper reporters.