EMERGENCY LAW

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 173, 18 April 1932, Page 8

EMERGENCY LAW

Powers of Local-Bodies DECISION BY CABINET Quelling Disturbances BILL READY TO-MORROW Emergency legislation to strengthen tho hands of the authorities in dealing with civil commotion of the nature of that occurring in Auckland will be introduced by tho Government in-the House of Representatives to-morrow afternoon. It will be put through as a matter of urgency at one sitting. In making this announcement when Cabinet rose on Saturday evening the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, said the Government desired to secure adequate authority to back the forces of law and order in meeting a situation which had not previously been encountered in New Zealand., He was unable at that juncture to indicate the contents of the Bill that would be introduced, as investigations had not yet been completed as to exactly what amplified powers would be necessary. Cabinet K would further consider the patter to-day. Mr. Forbes said he thought only a short Bill would be required and no difliculty was anticipated in having it ready for presentation as soon as Parliament reassembled to-morrow . after the week-end adjournment. No difficulty was anticipated in securing the .passage of the measure with a minimum of delay, for the legislation would bo of a. nature which, it. was to bo expected, would be readily endorsed by all sections in the House. Government's Concern. Cabinet held two meetings on Saturday and, although the happenings at Auckland were not the subject of exclusive deliberation, the question was discussed at both sittings, and the law draftsman was consulted concerning the new Bill,. Mr. Forbes gave an assurance that'■complete plans had been prepared' for meeting any emergency that might arise in Auckland or in airy other centres. He added, however, that he did not anticipate that the trouble would spread. Although too much credence is not placed by. Cabinet on rumours of impending trouble, the Prime Minister stated on Saturday that a large body of civilians had offered their services and they would supplement the police force at short notice. Mr. Forbes added that every step would be taken to put down trouble, as the Government was not prepared to countenance violence and ‘insurrection. Developments among unemployed agitators throughout the country are being watched closely by Cabinet, which is being advised at frequent intervals of the latest moves in Auckland, and reports are being supplied to it by agents in the other centres'.' The Government is understood to have arranged for the warships of the New Zealand Division to remain in Wellington meantime, and it is believed it is fully prepared to utilise the services of armed naval detachments should the emergency arise. No Half Measures.

Although these intentions are recognised as serious in the extreme, the Government is definitely of the opinion that the-situation that has developed in Auckland will not warrant the taking of half measures. Tlie Wellington civic authorities have been in touch with the Government, with a view to complete co-operation in the event of trouble. Mr. Forbes added on Saturday that a great responsibility rested on the Mayors 'of the various cities at the present time, as they, being .the chief magistrates of their centres, were naturally in. positions of ,- authonty. Anything that might be done in the quelling of disturbances would be validated by the special legislation to be introduced in Parliament to-mor-row- ' . . XX. In spite of statements to the contrary, the Prime Minister said the Government at present had no. intention of banning processions or meetings which were held to be of a political nature.