CORRESPONDENCE

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 15 May 1919, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE

THE BOLSHEVIK MENACE

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Recent happenings make us feel that there is a serious undercurrent of Bolshevism pervading this Dominion, and it behoves the loyal and law-abiding inhabitants, who are fortunately in an overwhelming majority, to take action in no uncertain manner to suppress the spirit of lawlessness which is gradually coming to the sur- [ face, as evidenced by the recent depuI tation of waterside workers which waited on members of the Cabinet, and in a truculent manner practically-de-manded the repeal of the war regulations. It is corning to a pretty pass when the Government is addressed as follows by one of the deputation; "I hope you will take notice, because we cannot go on under these regulations every day and carry on our business." Apart from the war regulations altogether, a man like William Parker, who was sentenced^ to twelve months' imprisonment for sedition, is a danger to the peace of the country, and should be given an immediate opportunity of leaving for some destination more congenial for the spread of his propaganda. If people of this class are not satisfied with the constitutional method of remedying things, they should be 'invited to leave for other climes. Whatever our individual opinions are regarding the National Government, we know that the great majority of the people will loyally support them until the general election, and it is for the welfare of each of us that such should be the case. It is my firm opinion that the enormous amount of theft which goes on at the various ports is due to Bolshevik propaganda, and with a number of people the ideai of getting something for nothing is very fascinating. One has only to read the news from Sydney in this evening's Star in regard to the serious position of affairs in Fremantle, and if we in this Dominion who are for law and order remain inactive, we may, in the near future, be confronted with a similar state of affairs. Let us therefore be watchful, as it seems to me that it is only a question of the opportunity arising as far as the ringleaders are concerned. There are two great curses to be dealt with, viz., the extreme form of Bolshevism (which is practitally another name for Nihilism), and profiteering, and I sincerely hope that the latter will in turn be dealt with in no uncertain manner by whatever Government is formed after the general election. I only hope this warning is not too belated to prevent serious mischief in this Dominion.—l am, etc., "63." May 13.