RED INFLUENCE IN R.S.A. OPPOSED BY WAIROA MEMBERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22931, 27 April 1949, Page 4

RED INFLUENCE IN R.S.A. OPPOSED BY WAIROA MEMBERS

(S.R.) WAIROA, April 26. The annual meeting of the Wairoa R.S.A. drew a good attendance yesterday. Matters discussed included the lack of State houses for returned servicemen it being claimed that only three had been erected since the end of the war, whilst no less than 30 men were awaiting houses. Attention was given to a request from the Dominion conference to consider the question of increasing working hours to 48 in the present emergency. The feeling of the meeting was that this matter was of a political nature and no action was taken. A lengthy discussion arising out of a notice of motion took place as to whether a social evening should be held on the night of Anzac Day. Opinion were very divided. However, after it had been pointed out that if certain members of the association thought social gatherings should be kept away from Aanzac Day even if they were in a minority, their wishes should be respected it was decided to refer the matter to the executive to decide on dates for half-yearly reunions. Opinions were divided during a discussion ventilated at the request of the Dominion executive regarding the admission of Communists to the R.S.A. “Our returned men did a job of work overseas and when they returned they joined the association which they were entitled to do,” said Mr. L. E. Galbraith, the president elect. “Before they proceeded overseas they took the oath of allegiance and observed it. If they come into our ranks and state anything against the King or the country then will be the time to deal with them.” After a motion had been moved to pass on to the next business, Mr .V. Fraser claimed that the circular was one of the most important matters before the meeting and should not be passed over.

“If. is ridiculous to say: ‘Wait until they start trouble and we will put them out.” said Mr. Fraser. “They will come into our ranks quietly, waiting for the day they can capture a majority of seats on the executive as they have done in other organisations. Then it will be too late to take action. “Unless we move right now we will find, possibly as early as next year, that it will be too late to attempt to take any action. I move that we offer the Dominion executive our fullest support in anv action deemed necessary to prevent the spread of communism.” After a short discussion the resolution was carried unaimously.