MR FRASER AND COMMUNISM

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25548, 16 July 1948, Page 6

MR FRASER AND COMMUNISM

REMARK WITHDRAWN BY MR MASSEY (P.A.) j.WELLINGTON, July 15. Many interjections punctuated the speech by Mr J. N. Massey (Opposition, Franklin) in the House of Representatives this evening, and he had one clash with the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser). Mr Massey said that "in the old days” Mr Fraser had preached the philosophy of Cummunism. , Mr Fraser: No. Rising to a point of order, Mr Fraser said: “I want to tell this country that I have never on any occasion supported Communism or the Communist Party. I have always opposed them. I want to say that definitely. Mr W. A. Bodkin (Opposition, Central Otago): The words are on record. Mr Fraser repeated t<x Mr Speaker (Mr R. McKeen) his request that Mr Massey should withdraw his statement. During exchanges among members, Mr Fraser was heard to say: “It’s actionable outside.” Mr G. H. Mackley (Opposition, Wairarapa): Here is proof of the statement that was made. Mr Fraser: If any member said that I would say he is a liar. Opposition voice: Withdraw. Mr Fraser withdrew his remark, saying he had not intended it to apply to any member in the House. Mr Massey also withdrew his reference to the Prime Minister, substituting: “The Prime Minister is an advanced Socialist.” Mr Fraser: I don’t mind that. Mr Massey said he himself could see no difference between Socialism and Communism.