It was also decided to invite representatives of the Socialist Party and the I.W.W. to attend. Messrs. H. E. Holland and F. R. Cooke were chosen to represent the Socialist Party, but no reply was received from the I.W.W.
A lengthy debate ensued on the question of industrial and political organisation, one section desiring one organisation for both purposes (the U.L.P. plan), and the other section insisting that there must be two distinct organisations.
The Federation point of view was upheld by Conference, and the desirability of industrial and political unity affirmed. These decisions practically ended a civil war that had raged within the movement for some years.
Perhaps it would be as well to place on record the resolution establishing industrial unity. It was moved by Mr. P. C. Webb, on behalf of the Federation of Labour, and reads:—
“That Conference affirms the necessity of one industrial organisation in the industrial field for the advancement and protection of organised Labour.”
Mr. R. S. Ross, editor, “Maoriland Worker,” submitted the resolution in favour of political unity as follows:—
“Recognising that political action is necessary and inevitable in the working-class movement, we agree to the formation of a political party for the enacting of legislation to better the condition of the working-class and ultimately to achieve its economic emancipation.”
The carrying of this remit, which the report states “was carried with much applause,” made possible the New Zealand Labour Party of to-day.
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