THE SOVIET SYSTEM.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 72, 25 March 1919, Page 7

THE SOVIET SYSTEM.

A >rr. EDEN PROTEST. "We are rapidly becoming a nation of Soviets who instruct the Government in its business; if the Government does not know its business and i>or*sesn the confidence of tile country, it should t>o turned out of office," declared the .Mayor of Mt. Eden last night in commenting on the number of resolutions passed by local bodies calling on the Government to do things which the Government should attend to without any reminding from local bodies. The resolution in. question was one by the Devonport Borough Council, asking for support in urging the Government to repatriate all interned aliens, civil as well as military. Mr. Hudson remarked that he was not opposed to the repatriation of aliens, but he thought the matter was one for the Government to attend to on its own initiative.

'"Turn them out, every blessed one ot them," commented H. Seabrook.

Mr. H. Shackelford agreed that generally speaking, what the Mayor jaid was right, but he considered this a queation which touched everybody, and he thought it should be impressed on the Government that the people wanted all aliens who had been interned as hostile to the country sent out of the country, without distinction Jtetween those who had been men of wealth and position in the community or persons without wealth and position. It was well known that the Germans had no love for Britain or the British.

Mr. Shackelford's motion that the Council heartily support the Devonport Council's resolution was carried.

Another "Soviet" resolution, this time a proposal from the Hastings Borough Council, recomme"n"ding the appointment of General Sir Andrew Itus-ell as Governor-General, came up a little later in the meeting. "Does anyone wish to further instruct the Government?' , inquired the Mayor. "Xo," responded Or. Seabrook, "that s a silly one; we must treat each on its merits." The resolution was received.