ILLEGAL ORGANISATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21131, 14 March 1932, Page 9

ILLEGAL ORGANISATIONS.

WARNING IN AUSTRALIA. NEW GUARD'S ACTIVITIES. WORKERS' DEFENCE ARMY. ! By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright, CANBERRA, March 12. Without actually mentioning the New Guard, the Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons, stated to-day that- the Federal Government had received information from reliable sources that organisations had been created which were prejudicial to the maintenance of peace and order. Tho Government was fully seized of it? responsibilities under the constitution for the maintenance of law and order, and would not hesitate to discharge thern. Therefore, it would not permit unauthorised military formations in any part of tlie Commonwealth. Mr. Lyons appealed to all citizens to co-operate with constituted authority to preserve peace in the community. Mr. Lyons' warning -is understood to refer not only to the New Guard, but also to the Workers' Defence Army, the activities of both of which have been under observation. t If the warning is disregarded the Federal Government has the power to proclaim any organisation illegal. The penalty for unauthorised training for armed offence, or for resistance, is five years' imprisonment for the driller and two years for other participants.

PETITION TO GOVERNOR. DISSOLUTION REQUEST. POLICE DENIAL OF CHARGES. SYDNEY, March 1-2. In connection with the petition presented to the Governor by the New Guard, seeking a dissolution of the New South Wales Parliament, Mr. Childs, Commissioner of Police, denies the truth of a number of references by the New Guard derogatory to the police organisation and impugning its integrity. Mr. Childs says the incidents quoted to show that the police were subservient to nome questionable influence never happened.

COLONEL CAMPBELL. CLAIM BY GOVERNMENT. ALLEGED UNPAID TAXES. SYDNEY, March 12. Writs have been issued claiming from Colonel Eric Campbell, leader of the New Guard, sums of £943 and £989 taxation for the years 1930-31. Colonel Campbell says he will not pay the State tax until Mr. Lang is out of office, nor "the Federal tax until the Federal Government honours its election pledge and takes action against the Reds.