LABOUR PROTEST

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1934, Page 5

LABOUR PROTEST

BAN ON ANTI-WAR DELEGATE

(Per Prega Association, Copyright) WELLINGTON, November 9. The treatment accorded Mr Gerald Griffin, of Wellington, who wa s recently refused permission 'by Australian customs officials To land in Sydney, after be had failed to pass a test in the Dutch language, was considered to-day by the National Executive of tlie New. Zealand- Labour Party. At the conclusion of the meeting, the following statement was issued: “The action of the Commonwealth: authorities in refusing to allow Gerald Griffi u to land in Australia was considered, and it was decided that strono- representations be made to the New Zealand Government. The Executive was unanimous in its condemnation of thy treatment accorded to Mr Griffin, and will urge the Government 'to demand an explanation from the Commonwealth Government, together with adequate re pin ration and compensation for Air Griffin.” The statement continued : “The setting up of an education test in the Dutch language was considered to be most unfair, and the refusal to allow Now Zealand citizens to land i n -Australia on such pretext is an outrage on the freedom of the individual, and is calculated to endanger the wood relations which have existed between the two countries.”