WAR REGULATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3400, 14 May 1919, Page 48

WAR REGULATIONS.

WELLINGTON, May 10. A largo deputation of the Waterside Workers' Union waited this morning upon members of the Cabinet at present in Wellington (Sir James Allen, Sir William Fraser, and the Hon. A. M. Myers) urging the repeal of the War Regulations. The speakers referred specially to the regulations bearing on work on the waterfront and seditious utterances, and contended that the regulations were now unjustifiable. The war was over, and they had been arbitrarily enforced recently, particularly in the conviction of William Parker for publishing seditious pamphlets, and in the exclusion of Sydney Foundrier and others from th<j wharves.

Sir James Allen, in reply, said the whole of the regulations oould not be repealed. If the watersiders indicated what regulations they desired repealed, Cabinet would give the matter very careful consideration. He emphasised the undesirability at the "~-thsent time of creating class dissension. Ue contended that the pamphlet published by Parker was of this character. He said the whole desire of the Government was to protect shipping, the seamen, and the public generally. There had been every necessity for this.

Mr Myers emphasised the necessity fcr all classes of the community learning the point of view of others. Sir James Allen and Mr Myers expressed their willingness to attend a meeting of the union and gpeak about the War Regulations thereat. Mr Glover stated that such a meeting would be arranged.