CONGRESS OF LABOUR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 20 March 1913, Page 4

CONGRESS OF LABOUR.

The thirteenth annual Congress of Labour Party, which took place at Lambeth Baths, England, early in February, was the most successful gathering <jf the kind that has yet : taken plac* in the United Kingdom, 'it was attended by 508 delegates, lhe principal question discussed were syndicalism and party discipline The President, Mr G, H. M.P., delivered a long and closely reasoned inaugural address, in : the course of which he emphasised the necessity for political action if the workers were to advance their cause 'and assume their legitimate position. The methods of syndicalists, he described as a reckless gamble. Referring to the question of the franchise, he declared that the Labour Party could not ignore the claims of women to equal voting power with the other sex. The allegation was made that political action is futile and that direct industrialism constitutes the only certain means of realising the workers' ideals. He challenged that view, holding that both means were necessary. They were} disappointed with the iresults of political action, but were they not equally displeased with the consequences of a strike policy? But if their highest expectioris had not been fulfilled, considerable advantage had arisen from the efforts that had been made. Political action could not be dispensed with. ; The perfect state would only be reached through well-ordered efforts and schemes. At the same time, he believed the strike was not played out. On the contrary, it would 'increase in efficiency as the Unions increased, in membership. The imraediaro need of the Party was Unity, together with good . organisation. "To win the right to work and live was fundamental to their movement." The resolutions passed affirmed the necessity of joining all parties together in a common bond, and keeping; the Trades Union or industrial 'branch separate from the political ; relieving: representatives of pledges of a drastic nature, which : might hinder their action affirming the desirability of a universal frauch'SP v and -reserving; the strike to b?' used as a weapon,; -.'when necessary. throu<Tih the -faibwe of other ;m.~asu' , es f«}'r->sec«Ting : '^fair I tpt® v ' ihstice. Next vear's Congress is to be held in t-lie Citv of Glasgow, when a great demonstration is anticipated.