COMMUNIST PARTY CANDIDATE’S MEETINGS

Grey River Argus, 8 November 1949, Page 3

COMMUNIST PARTY CANDIDATE’S MEETINGS

There were nine present when the Communist candidate for Westland, Mr R. H. Mitchell, spoke in the United Pavilion last night. Mr H. McLeod (Communist Party organiser) who presided, in introducing the speaker, spoke of an “iron -,'urtain’’ in Greymouth, saying that the Communist Party had been unable to secure halls for its meetings. He mentioned the Lyceum Hall —which is owned by the Labour Party. Mr Mitchell said too many people were prepared to learn of the Communist Party’s policy from the Labour and Nationalist press, instead of from a member of the Communist Party. He spoke of principles of Socialism, which, he said, the Labour 'Party fought for in 1914, but had not yet put into action. He accused the Nationalist and Labour Parties of fighting against the interests c f the working class. “History has proved that in Europe Fascism has been led by the Labour Parties”, he said. Fie alleged that in New Zealand during the six years of stabilisation the standard of living decreased ten per cent. There was now less money in the country. That was proved by decreases in betting, and investments in National Savings, and increasing withdrawals of these savings. “The only way workers can maintain their present standard of living is by eating up their savings”, he said. Attentive hearings were received at four meetings held by Mr Mitchel! in the Otira district at the week-end, at which 75 people were present altogether. Fifteen were present at Moana on Saturday, and at. Rotomanu in the evening 29. Mr J. Graham presided. Mr Mitchell was accorded a vote of thanks, on the motion of Messrs R. Carter and J. Hilton. There were fifteen at Kokiri on Sunday afternoon, when a vote of thanks was carried on the motion of Messrs Webber and Nestor. Owing to a partial power failure, Mr Mitchell .spoke in neardarkness to an attendance of 20 at Kotuku on Sunday night. The meeting was completed with a large number of questions. Mr R. Moth presided at all of the meetings, except at Rotomanu.