“THE GESTAPO”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32596, 13 July 1945, Page 4

“THE GESTAPO”

VISIT TO HAURAKI STRONG PROTEST MADE MR SUTHERLAND’S EXPERIENCE “ I have seen the Gestapo—he was in my electorate,” said Mr A. S. Sutherland (National —Hauraki), in his Address-in-Reply speech in the House of Representatives recently. His remark immediately caught the attention of all members and, to an undercurrent of chuckles, Mr- Sutherland told of his experience in diverting fashion. “I heard the .Gestapo speak, heard him coming and heard him going,” added Mr Sutherland, amid laughter. The Speaker (Mr Schramm): The honourable gentleman is not referring to a member of this house? “Oh, no,” replied Mr .Sutherland, who added that he would'tell his story and leave the House and. country to judge. Mr Sutherland said that recently he and his wife were invited to attend a ball in the Hauraki electorate to celebrate Victory in Europe. There were 500 people there, including many returned servicemen, and it was a : good show. “Everything went with a swing until 10.30,” he added. “Then the Gestapo knocked at the door. He demanded admittance and, after an argument, the committee let him in. He wanted “to see what was on the supper table, and went into the -supper room and I followed him. “ Looked The Part ” “The Gestapo had a look round and told the committee to take certain things' off the supper table. He did a lot of writing in a notebook and certainly looked the part of the Gestapo. He closed his book, went away, and after his departure many guests expressed disgust at the . action of a State Department that would allow a man to go round and do that sort of work. “ If that sort of thing is to go on, where will we get? We’ve got to put our foot down. Where is freedom? I desire to register my strongest protest at this intolerable interference with the rights of the people. If democracy is to live in New Zealand, then these inquisitorial State pimps must be kept out of that sort of thing if other work cannot be found for them to do. I register my protest.” Mr -P. Carr (Government —Auckland West): Was he in uniform? Mr Sutherland: He was not. Mr Speaker intervened to remind members they must not exchange words across the floor of the House.