Union Organiser’s Refusal to State if he is Communist

Grey River Argus, 23 April 1948, Page 7

Union Organiser’s Refusal to State if he is Communist

P.A. HAMILTON, April 22 At the Mangakino tribunal, George Allen Bravery, union organiser, gave his version of events in Fiji, oealt with by earlier witnesses. He emphatically denied that Clapham was the most effective speaker at the •meeting of the members of the Civil Construction Unit at which the decision -was taken to strike in protest against deportation to New Zealand oi a man named Hardcastle and two other members of the unit. “The most effective speaker on that occasion," said witness, “was Harry Williams. I am going to say he was tough, this little Harry Williams. 1 will not say he was quite fair. He was a pretty aggressive little fellow.” The witness, as union organiser at Karapiro and Mangakino, had never encountered any evidence of disruptive or wrecking activities by Clapham. Asked by Mr Engel if h£ were a Communist, Bravery replied: “I am like Mr Gilkison in that respect. I dont’ want to answer any questions about my politics. Earlier in the case, Gilkison had declined 'to state whether he was a member of the Labour Party. Mr Engel: Do you attend Communist meetings?—Witness: What I do in my own time has nothing to do with this case. I will give any evidence concerning this case in which union principle is at stake. * When again asked to state if he was a Communist, the witness retorted: "Are you one?” Mr Engel: "No, I am not.” Witness said to Mr isngel: “You must extend to me the same rights as were given to Mr Gilkison.” Mr Engel claimed that his question was quite different from that which Mr Hair had, previously asked Gilkison. Clapham was know to be a Communist, and it might throw light on some matters if it were known that wiines was also a Communist. "I will give any evidence about this case, but I will not discuss my politicsoi - religion,” said Bravery. Judge Dalglish ruled that, if the witness declined to answer the question Mr Engel should not pursue it.