COMMUNISTS IN STATE POSTS

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25444, 16 March 1948, Page 4

COMMUNISTS IN STATE POSTS

—•►—— RETAILERS EXPRESS CONCERN REFERENCE TO A PRICE CONTROL OFFICER (P.A.) NEW PLYMOUTH, March 15. Concern at the "alarming spread of Communistic propagenda and the growth of Comiaunisni In New Zealand ahd its infiltration into the civil service” was expressed by the New Zealand Retailers’ Federation at the annual conference at New Plymouth. ‘ “It is rearing its ugiy head in such a manner that unless we express ourselves we are failing in. our duty to our country," said one delegate. “If it is true that senior officers in the civil service are Communists, then as taxpayers we are entitled to ask that our money be better spent” After a discussion the following resolution was carried unanimously: ‘‘That in view of the grave international situation this conference respectfully requests the Minister of Industries and Commerce to state whether it is correct that a senior officer of the Price Tribunal is an avowed Communist or subscribes to Communistic policy; further, that, in view of recent utterances of the Prime Minister, the Government be urged to ascertain immediately the number of Communists holding senior positions in the civil service.” A copy of the resolution was telegraphed to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Industries and Commerce.