DELEGATION TO RUSSIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21153, 9 April 1932, Page 8

DELEGATION TO RUSSIA.

incident at FREMANTLE. SINGING THE RED FLAG. The delegation from the eastern States of Australia proceeding to Russia left Fremantle aboard the Orsova on Easter Monday night. About 50 local Communists, wearing red rosettes, were at the ship's side. Just before the vessel sailed the Communists on the wharf and the delegation aboard the ship commenced to sing "The Red Flag." As if a signal had been given, from every deck about 600 first and third-class passengers thundered the National Anthem. Ihe little red army apparently was not disconcerted at this, but when the crowd followed it with "Rule, Britannia," completely drowning their voices, some of those holding red ribbons aboard seemed to lose their heads, judging by their gesticulations. This continued for a-quarter of an hour until the vessel swung into mid-stream. Mr. A. Clifford, a delegate from the New South Wales Carpenters Union, acting as spokesman, stated earlier in the day that the delegation was not associated in any way with the Communist Association m Australia, nor was it backed or endorsed by the political wing of the Labour movement or the Sydney Trades and Labour Council. There was not a onion official among the delegates. No delegate was a member of the Communist party, but all were members of trades unions. The Soviet Government was not financing the trip, most of the funds "being obtained by voluntary union contributions.