"GOSPELS OF DESPAIR"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21948, 9 May 1933, Page 7

"GOSPELS OF DESPAIR"

HITLERISM AND FASCISM ATTACKED BY BRITISH LABOUR (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, May 7. Thirty speakers addressed a vast crowd at a May Day Labour celebration in Hyde Park, amplifiers enabling, farcarrying criticisms of Herr Hitler and Sir Oswald Mosley. Befiagged and placarded processions, including a contingent of Oxford undergraduates, with a banner emblazoned " We won't fight," arrived at the Marble Arch by seven routes, accompanied by bands. Mounted and foot police marshalled an orderly demonstration.

Mr G. Lansbury, despite a percentage of Fascist and Hitlerite insignia in the procession, said the celebration challenged Hitlerism, Fascism, Nationalism, and all their implications as gospels of decadence and despair. Labour represented international solidarity. Lord Trenchard (Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police) aimed to transform the police into an upper class force because he could not trust a working class force to crush a Socialist Government. Lord Trenchard's report disgraced himself and the administration. *

A resolution was passed condemning the capitalist attacks on the workers, and challenged the growth of militarism and imperialism. The crowds then quietly dispersed. .

A previous message stated: The annual report of Lord Trenchard foreshadowed important changes in the character and organisation of the metropolitan police. It emphasises that the entrance examination is of the same rudimentary character as a century ago, and urges that efforts should be made to raise the level. The old idea that too much mental development is likely to make a policeman discontented with his job is obsolete. The best brains are essential for the higher posts. The criminal is becoming more skilful, mobile and scientific. Criminals registered in the record office total 509,720.