STRIKE SPEECHES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 27 October 1928, Page 13

STRIKE SPEECHES

BOLSHEVIK PROPAGANDA MR THEODORE CRITICISED “Has the Premier’s attention , been drawn to speeches of a highly inflammatory' nature, delivered by Mr Theodore, M.P., and the leader of the Opposition, Mr Lang, at the annual dinner of the Eight-Hour committee';” asked Mr Jarvie, in the New South Wales Legislature Assembly recently. “Is the Premier aware that, among other things, Mr Theodore is alleged to have said:— “ ‘The Beeby award was a most unjust award, calculated to stir up fierce resentment in the minds of the men who had to work under it. If the waterside worker had received sympathetic consideration from the Federal Government and the shipowners, the strike would have been ended by now. The dispute is the creation of the Federal Government. It is more responsible than any ot;jier single factor.’ ” Mr Booth: So it is, too. (Opposition assent.) .

Mr Jarvie: Will the Premier take the strongest possible action to prevent a repetition of. such extreme Bolshevik propaganda being broadcast, which must necessarily incite and encourage disorder and revolution, as well as striking a 'serious blow at constituted authority. The Speaker: The hon. member must not be argumentative. The Premier: I read that statement with a great deal of’regret, as any lawabiding citizen would do. Ido not know what this Government can do to restrain the extraordinarily foolish, unwise, and harmful expressions on the part of a Federal representative. Mr Connell: Deport'them. (Laughter.) Tlie Premier: We have no power to do that. I share the regret of every citizen in the community at seeing a man holding the important positions which Mr Theodore has held, and the one he now holds, making statements which are calculated to do untold harm. I also saw the reference by Mr Lang, but this country has had enough, experience of Mr Lang to make it quite unnecessary for me to contradict any statement made by him. (Ministerial applause.)