COMMUNISTS’ MEETING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 119, 20 April 1932, Page 6

COMMUNISTS’ MEETING.

POLICE BAN. Communists who attempted to hold an open air meeting, last evening at Palmerston North, were prevented by the police. They had arranged to speak on a vacant section adjoining the Central Relief Committee’s depot in Church Street, and a crowd of several hundreds assembled in anticipation, but upon the arrival of the police the Communist leaders were compelled to more on. They went across the road to another section on the corner of Linton Street, and a Wellington visitor commenced to speak. Immediately ] l6 was approached by the police and asked if he had authority to be on the property. He admitted that he had not, and accepting the advice of the police took his departure together With three other people. They were followed round the Square by a number of people who spread across the road, although they were warned by the police that it was their own responsibility if they did not disperse. Ninety-nine per cent, were merely interested onlookers, it was stated to-day.

Subsequently, there was a halt at the western railway crossing in the Square, where some traffic was compelled to deviate. Sergeant Hill again issued a warning to the crowd to keep clear. No further speeches were attempted, however, and the crowd, finding that they were standing around’ wasting time, gradually broke up until at 9.30 p.m. they had disappeared.