COMMUNISM ATTACKED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 141, 27 March 1948, Page 5

COMMUNISM ATTACKED

Need for Action in N.Z. ~ MR HOLLAND’S VIEWS (P.A.) DUNEDIN, March 26. “Every student of world affairs must be following developments - with, the greatest interest anti anxiety,” said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) in an interview. ... “The tragic happenings in Czechoslovakia, the completely changed attitude of the United States on the partition of Palestine, the withdrawal-of the Russian representative from; the Allied Control Commission in Berlin, the reversal of a former decision on Tri; este, and finally President Truman’s dramatic recommendation for reapplication of conscription of the American nation have all been directly connected with Communist activities throughout the world. It is encouraging and heartening to note the much keener attitude the United -States, Britain,.—and France are adopting tow r ards the menace of Communistic infiltration. “Another encouraging event has been the agreement for mutual aid and defence -signed by France, Britain, and the Benelux countries by which a long-term agreement of friendship and mutual defence has been signed. These reverses for the Communists do not for one moment cause them to let up on their activities, especially in the industrial field”. The tragic strike in Queensland continues to develop bitterness which will take years to eras'ey .. and right here in New Zealand wreckers; continue their deadly work with holdups and industrial sabotage./.stirring up trouble. Their aini is not to obtain better wages qr tq improve conditions, but is a contribution -to the ultimate overthrow of the present economic system and t he accustomed British way of life, with a view .-to their replacement by the Soviet system of National Socialism or Communism. " r, ‘ “Disloyal Activities” “I have already urged the calling together of Parliament to pass laws to outlaw these subversive and disloyal activities. We have been, told that there is ample provision- ’hr-the existing law to deal with any situation that may arise, but that is not the point. . It is not what provisions there are in the present law. that matters. The thing that really matters is the use that is made of those provisions. “Britain has decided to put all Communists and others guilty of subversive activities out of any positions where they may be a danger to" Britain, and New- Zealand should do the# sgme. “I very much doubt whether any other country has laws making more complete provision for the investigation and adjustment of industrial disputes and grievances, yet we have these constant hcld-ups and dislocations, all brought about because the defiance of laws has paid troublemakers' much better dividends than has compliance with laws. We can never expect industrial peace until compliance pays better than defiance.” Mr Holland added that the average New Zealand worker .was,, an honest, hard-working citizen, anxious and willing to give a reasonable day’s work in returrf for a reasonable day’s pay, but he was too often the victim of circumstances brought about by persons bent only on wrecking the system. “I am certain that the overwhelming majority of workers subscribes to that view, it is only a small but very powerful minority that it causing the present trouble,” he added.