AN UNFOUNDED RUMOUR

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 87, 11 October 1915, Page 8

AN UNFOUNDED RUMOUR

TRADES UNIONISTS AND FIREARMS. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr. P. C. Webb quoted a communication from Auckland to the" •effect that a rumour had been circulated that trades unions were purchasing large quantities of firearms, and that the Police Commissioner had issued instructions prohibiting their sale. The unionists and the dependents of those unionists who had gone to the front felt that this was an insult. The Hon. A. L. Herdman replied that if any section of the community was purchasing firearms the Commissioner had a perfect right to take such precautions. He did not know anything about the matter, but if Mr. Webb would give notice of his motion he would make enquiries. Mr. Webb said he would follow this course. * Mr. Payne said that such croel rumours might prejndically affect recruiting. The Prime Minister said that the Attorney-General had already promised to have the enquiries answered. He said himself that he was bound to say he knew nothing about the circular. NO SUCH INSTRUCTIONS. Referring to Mr. Webb's question a few moments later, the Attorney-Gen-eral said that he had since made en- J quiries, and had been informed that no such instructions had been issued by the police. .