National Party And Suppression Of Communism

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 March 1948, Page 7

National Party And Suppression Of Communism

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, March 11. The'National Party had made substantial and gratifying progress in the Westland by-election, wnere a Wellorganised and vigorous campaign had led to a very satisfactory result, said the president, Mr W. J. Sim, at a meeting of the Dominion council of the National Party, which started in Wellington today. There was a spirit of unity in the party which was probably the envy of political opponents, 'and the leader of the party, Mr S. G. Holland, and his colleagues would have solid support and loyalty in th% fight which was before them this year and next. Referring to the international political situation, Mr Sim said the world might be on the eve of dramatic events arising from Communist activities both at home and abroad. The National Party would support to the full all possible measures, for the suppression and defeat of Communists and Communism in New Zealand, at the same time not overlooking the fact that a fundamental Communist doctrine —the socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange—had not yet been, renounced by the present Government as its political gospel, Mr Holland said the Government had been warned for years past that “if you don’t control Communists they will control you.” They were now beginning to realise the truth of those warnings. The country was sick and tired .of what was going on.