“OUST REDS”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22588, 17 March 1948, Page 6

“OUST REDS”

LEAD BY BRITAIN EXAMPLE TO N.Z. IMMEDIATE ACTION APPEAL BY MR. HOLLAND (P.A.) Christchurch, March 17. A plea that the New Zealand Government should take action on similar lines to that announced by the Government in Britain and purge from responsible positions those guilty of “Communist and other subversive activities” was made last night by the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. S. G. Holland, addressing a National Party meeting in his own electorate of Fendalton.

“I accept the Prime Minister's assurance that the existing law is adequate to deal with Communist and other subversive activities,” said Mr. Holland. ‘•1 feel sure that I am expressing the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people when I urge the Government to use the provisions which the Prime Minister says already exist to oust any persons suspected of Communist or subversive activities from positions where they can carry on their fifth column work. “The Labour Government of Britain has given a lead in this matter, and it should be immediately followed by our Dwn Government.

“The people are looking to the Government to take definite and immediate action to meet the present crisis. “Every day that these disloyalists and wreckers are left in any positions of responsibility, or where they can carry on their underground activities, adds to the danger confronting New Zealand. “If it is good enough for the Labour Government of Britain to act, then it should be good enough for New Zealand to take the same action,” Mr. Holland concluded.