Fraser Denies Ever Supporting Communism

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1948, Page 5

Fraser Denies Ever Supporting Communism

WELLINGTON, Fri. (P.A.). —“I want to tell this country that I have never on any occasion supported Communism or the Communist Party. I have always opposed them. I want to say that definitely.”

Rising to a point of order, the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) said this in the House of Representatives last night. i Mr J. N. Massey (0 —Franklin) had stated that “in the old days” Mr Fraser had preached the philosophy of Communism.”

Mr Fraser requested the Speaker to rule that Mr Massey should withdraw his statement, and during exchanges between members the Prime Minister was heard to say: “It’s actionable outside.” Mr G. H. Mackley (O—Wairarapa): Here is proof of the statement that was made. Mr Fraser: If any member said that, I would say he is a liar. Opposition Voices: Withdraw! Mr Fraser withdrew his remark, saying he had not intended it to apply to any member in the House. Mr Massey also withdrew his reference to the Prime Minister, substituting that “the Prime Minister is an advanced Socialist.” Mr Fraser: I don't mind that. Mr Massey said he himself could see no difference between Socialism and Communism. Mr Massey easier discussed industrial troubles and the Auckland waterfront dispute. The Minister of Labour

(Mr McLagan), he said, who had in the past preached the philosophy of Communism, today said that Mr Barnes (the watersiders’ leader) was a Communist. While these two strong characters were fighting for political control the whole of the country’s activities were subject to interference. Had the National Party been in office the Mountpark dispute would not have arisen or, if it had, would have been settled weeks ago. Miss Howard (Minister of Health): What about 1913? Another Government Member: Massey speaks again. Mr Massey: I am proud to bear that particular name. People, he added, knew when his father was in charge of the country’s administration that law and order would be upheld, but today the Government appeared incapable of enforcing the law. While the House welcomed Mr Jones’ statement on defence, it was not sufficiently clear as to Government policy, especially on the vital question of compulsory training, Mr Massey continued. Sir Joseph Ward’s Government in 1929 was kept in office for‘a time by the Labour Party, and the price their leader, the late Mr H. E. Holland, had demanded was the repeal of the Compulsory Military Service Act. “I don’t think the Prime Minister will deny that.” said Mr Massey. Mr Fraser: -Yes. I will. There was no price and no understanding. It is only fair to the late Sii; Joseph Ward to say that. Mr F. Langstone (G—Roskill), who was the next speaker, differed from Mr Massey's version of the 1929 political situation. He said the Labour Party had voted with the Reform Party on the first motion of no-confidence in the Ward Administration to come before the House.