Freedom Abuse Not To Be Tolerated

Northern Advocate, 26 February 1940, Page 3

Freedom Abuse Not To Be Tolerated

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] WELLINGTON, This Day. THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER IN A BROADCAST SPEECH LAST NIGHT, GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE PEOPLE’S FREEDOM WOULD NOT BE INJURED, AND THAT FREEDOM OF SPEECH OF A RESPONSIBLE CHARACTER WOULD BE SAFEGUARDED. Mr Fraser said, however, that speech giving inducement to violence would not he tolerated.

—$ Mr. Fraser was giving, at the reques

of me tame Minister (.Mr. Savage.) an explanation concerning me powers given me Government unuer tne nunc Saieiy emergency Regulations gazetted on Tnursaay. ' Mr. Fraser said the regulations were considered by the Government to ue necessary, and unfortunately they were_as unavoidable as me censoimnp and publicity regulations imroauceu some time ago. A Ncisy Few. They were drafted in view of a few persons, who seemed sincere in their oelief, Having shown such utter disregard for public opinion and tne country’s war effort as to constitute a public danger. At a number qf open-air meetings there had been lawless disorder, wnien could not and would not continue. Mr. Fraser said the regulations provided for action against subversive statements and activities that appeared likely to be against the interests of public safety. Worshippers of Foreign Power. He said there were speakers who openly placed their interests in a foreign Power before New Zealand, and who uttered statements deliberately designed to injure recruiting and the discipline of the troops. Mr. Fraser said that people who could not give expression to their opinions without disregarding the laws of the country and creating disorder would be checked. Open-air meetings, violating the laws of the Dominion and the British Commonwealth of Nations, would definitely not be permitted. Lawfully constituted meetings would be as adequately protected as the law provided, but speakers would be held responsible for what they said. “The regulations will not constitute any menace to free speech,” Mr. Fraser said. "It would be tragically parodoxical, however, if, as the result of them, our freedom were damaged and sabotaged by the false statements of irresponsible speakers. “That is not freedom, but gross abuse of freedom.” Mr. Fraser did not agree with those who criticised the Government’s delay in introducing the regulations. He said any Government hesitated to use unnecessarily the powers placed at its disposal. The Government wanted to avoid anyone being prejudicially affected. He appealed to all to honour the law of the country and abide by the decision of 99 and more per cent, of the people who were supporting the Government in its stand for democracy and freedom.