Labour Party Club AGM

J. McCallum

Plans for an active year were outlined at the AGM of the Labour Party Club recently. Long-term preparation for the 1969 election is the most important aim of the club.

The president in his report described the reasonable contribution to the last election made by the club, in spite of few financial members. He pointed out that Wellington has at present only one Labour MP and that, with boundary changes due, a new seat would be created by 1969.

This presented the club with a challenge to invigorate party policy and increase support substantially within the city. To be effective, this demanded strong organisation.

A meeting has been planned between the Unions and the University, in the form of a seminar. The club feels that, in view of recent proposals by Mr. Skinner—such as the formulation of an economic plan for New Zealand, approved by all sectors of the community—the Unions and the University could profitably exchange ideas.

A second project is the production of a magazine, which should appear in time for the Labour Party Conference. Also at this time, it is hoped that an informal meeting of university Labour Party branches can be arranged.

Suggested speakers for the year include John Jeffries, Wallace Rowling on this year's budget, Arnold Nordmeyer on the need for a planned economy, Austin Mitchell, and John Young on the feasibility of a prices-income policy in Now Zealand.