ORGANISED ROWDYISM

Evening Star, Issue 20959, 25 November 1931, Page 3

ORGANISED ROWDYISM

UNFAIR ELECTION TACTICS,

Reports in the Press from all over Lew Zealand indicate that a deliberate attempt is being made by the more fanatical followers of the Labour Party, to prevent tho Coalition candidates from getting a. fair hearing. The very nature ot tins obstructionism shows that it deserves the, term “ organised,” and the tactics employed are quite contrary to the rules ot British fair play and sportsmanship. It ,a obvious that those undertaking this campaign of abuse are afraid of hearing tho truth about tho Labour Party, and are endeavouring to bolster up a weak cause by loud noise. Tho Colli tioc Government is not afraid of legitimate criticism. It is quite confident that the case it has to present is a strong and a good one. But it expects the followers of tho Opposition to allow its candidates an equally fair opportunity of speaking, as Ts accorded to tho Labour candidates.

It is a paradoxical fact that whilst the Labour Party upholds the right of free speech its followers are tho first to deny

The only possible conclusion that a sane person can arrive at is that the Laboin Party knows full well its case is weak. Alid so wo have the primitive psychological reaction which hurls vindictive abuse and indulges in an orgy of rowdyism. Docent citizens deplore this unfair ohstructionism. it confirms in 1-licir minds tho belief that Labour is unlit to have charge of* tho afiairs of this countii. (Published by arrangement.)