‘Patriots’ v. communism

Press, 17 March 1982, Page 37

‘Patriots’ v. communism

Another Right-wing group. "The Society of Patriots." seeks support in Christchurch.

The society's director, Mr K. R. Gray, has said that he and a few other fundamentalist Christians had started it four months ago as a "vehicle to confront communism."

The society aimed to investigate and publicise the activities of communists and subversive groups, Mr Gray said.

After advertising in newspapers recently, the society had about 30 subscribers to its monthly newsletter.

“We have our own constitution and committee with four members.” Mr Gray said. “A lot of businessmen round town are joining." He said the society had no connection with either Zenith Applied Philosophy or the League of Rights. Although the society was based at the Integrity Centre, and he worked there as a social worker, the society was separate.

"The Integrity Centre is concerned with promoting Christian values whereas we are concerned with confronting communism.” Mr Gray said. The society was worried about communist involvement in “seemingly harmless groups” such as those that supported communism or opposed nuclear weapons. Mr Gray said any such involvement should be publicised, and the society intended to do it through its newsletter.

Asked how the society would expose and confront communists, Mr Gray said he was "working on it.”

The society opposed communism because there was an international communist conspiracy to rule the world, he said. It called itself the “Society of Patriots” because patriotism could be used as a rallying point against people who’ wanted to subvert New Zealand's way of life. Mr Gray said the society hoped to open its own bookshop and start branches throughout New Zealand.