LAST YEAR'S RIOTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21469, 18 April 1933, Page 10

LAST YEAR'S RIOTS

LABOUR PARTY REFERENCE SAFETY CONSERVATION ACT Refcrenco to the uso that could be made of the Public Safety Conservation Act adopted last year is contained in the report of the Parliamentary Labour Party presented to the annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party yesterday by Mr. H. M. Holland, M.P., Leader of the Opposition. The report found one redeeming feature in the measure, which was that its powers could bo invoked by a Labour Government for taking over the banks and other institutions in an effort toward national rehabilitation in a period of economic emergency. Referring to the outbreak of rioting a year ago, which gave rise to this legislation, the report started: —"On April 11, a demonstration of the unemployed resulted in a clash with the police at Diitiedin, and on April 14 a still more serious disturbance occurred at Auckland. On the latter date a belligerent statement was made by the Prime Minister in the House, and called forth protests from the Labour Party. On April 15 there was further trouble at Auckland, and on the 19th the Primo Minister, by GovernorGeneral's Message, introduced the Public Safety Conservation Pill —legislation which reflected the Government's condition of panic. In its clauses the Government took power to declare a state of emergency throughout Now Zealand and to exercise exceptional powers. Provision was made to protect both the Government and its officials against claims arising out of illegal acts bv them or for damage done in the administration of the Act. "The bill also materially altered the rules of evidence, giving tho Court 1 lower to admit evidence that would not be admissible in ordinary criminal trials The bill was challenged at every stage by the Labour Party, divisions being forced on the message, second reading and various clauses. In each division tho Labour members voted alone, and tho bill became law."