R.S.A. Members to Ballot on Expulsion of Communists

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1948, Page 4

R.S.A. Members to Ballot on Expulsion of Communists

Over 600 members of the Greymouth branch of the Returned Services’ Association are shortly to be issued with ballot papers to vote on whether Communists should be expelled from the association. The subbranches in the district will also conduct ballots. The ballot arises over a remit from the Dominion Council “that al! Communists be debarred from membership of all affiliated branches of the New Zealand Returned Services’ Association.” This was discussed at the last- annual conference, but was speedily passed over, and the result has been that a ballot of members is to be taken. The final decision is to be made in February next by the Dominion Council. If the decision is in favour of expulsion, those known to be of Communist belief will not have their membership renewed next year. It is not thought that many West Coast members will be affected.