ANTI-WAR MARCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22177, 2 August 1935, Page 14

ANTI-WAR MARCH

PROCESSION IN CITY GATHERING AT DOMAIN TORCHLIGHT DEMONSTRATION An anti-war demonstration, preceded by a torchlight procession through the city, was held in the Domain last night. The procession, which, according to the banners carried, represented n number of trades unions, workers' organisations and Communists, extended in loose formation from Prince's Wharf to the foot of Queen Street. Tho demonstrators stopped off from tho starting place in Quay Street at 7 o'clock, led by tho City Bo.vs' Band. The numerous flaming torches hold aloft made a striking spectacle. Mon, women and children took part, while spectators on tho footpath walked abreast of tho marchers. Tho route was up Queen Street and across Grafton Bridge, tho procession turning tho corner by the hospital and entering the Domain at tho gate near the tennis courts. The banners carried boro slogans such as "War Against War," "1914, heroes; 1,935, unemployed," and "Tho ignorant obey orders." At the tail end of the procession a group of children wearing red berets and scarves carried tho slogan "War; what for?" Incident Near Hospital In tho course of the march the avowedly Communist section of tho procession sang tho "Bed Flag" from time to time and shoutod anti-capitalist slogans. When approaching tho hospital a marshal passed down tho ranks and enjoined silence. This was observed for a time, but the shouting broke out again from a section of the marchers as they were passing the children's wards. Another call for silenco was effective. About 2000 people, including the demonstrators, were present in tho Domain when tho speech-making started from a platform in front of the stand, but the night was cold and tho attendance rapidly dwindled. Tho addresses lasted from 8 until 9 o'clock, and by the time they were finished only a few hundred people were left. Series of Resolutions Tho speakers urged unity in opposition to war, which boiiio of them declared was imminent. Resolutions were carried repudiating tho statement by tho Prime Minister, the l?t. Hon. G. W. Forbes, when in Canada, that "When Britain is at war wo are at war"; calling for moro sympathetic treatment for disabled ex-soldiers; and calling upon Italy to withdraw her troops from Africa and upon Hitler to release all political prisoners. A resolution was carried affirming support of a campaign to ask candidates at the forthcoming election if they would vote against tho War.ftegulaiions Continuance Act, if they would support no more war without a referendum, and support the transference of defence expenditure to tho relief of unemployment.