BOYCOTT: AN UGLY WORD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23273, 16 February 1939, Page 12

BOYCOTT: AN UGLY WORD

Boycott is an ugly word, and an uglier fact, in any circumstances. In a country like New Zealand, with representative institutions, boycott because the victim has supported a particular cause during an election campaign becomes a threat to the proper exercise of common rights that cannot be tolerated. Mr. Frank Goldberg, a visitor from Australia, this morning describes the experience of having had to leave hotels in Wellington and Christchurch because there was a threat of boycott if he remained. He has told a circumstantial story, attributing the threat to opinions expressed and work done during last year's election campaign in New Zealand. He has also freely named the institutions and individuals whom he declares to be responsible for tho campaign against him. Thus he has made a very serious case for these people to answer. They are charged with conduct which public opinion should not, and surely will not, tolerate. It is for them to make their answer, or, in the alternative, to cease their tactics and make amends to Mr. Goldberg. He says he has consulted the Prime Minister, who has agreed that his election activities were legitimate, and has said that the matter will be adjusted. Mr. Savage is in a position of responsibility which would allow him no other course. Practical notice of what has happened is all the more demanded of the Government because excessive zeal in Labour's cause is alleged to be the motive of the boycott. If this sort of thing is allowed to pass, there will soon be an end to all free discussion of political issues. The world is too full already of what happens when such a situation develops.