LAST YEAR’S RIOTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18067, 19 April 1933, Page 2

LAST YEAR’S RIOTS

LABOR PARTY REFERENCE SAFETY CONSERVATION ACT ■Reference to the use that could be made of the Public Safety Conservation Act adopted last year is contained in the report of the Parliamentary Labor Party presented to the annual conference of the New Zealand Labor Tarty in Auckland by Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., Leader of the Opposition. The report found one redeeming feature in the measure, which was that its powers could be invoked by a Labor Government for taking over the banks and other institutions in an effort towards national rehabilitation in a period of economic emergency. Referring to the Outbreak of rioting year ago, which gave rise to this legislation, ’the report stated: —“On April 11, a demonstration of the unemployed resulted in a clash with the police at Dunedin, 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 iu the House, and called forth protests from the Labor Party. On April 15 there was further trouble at Auckland, and on the 10th the Prime Minister, by GovernorGeneral’s Message, introduced the Public Safety Conservation Bill-—legis-lation which reflected the Govern.tnent’s condition of panic. In its clauses the Government took power to declare a state of emergency throughout New Zealand and to exorcise exceptional powers. Provision was marie to protect both the Government oud its officials against claims arising out of illegal acts by them or for damage doile in the administration of the Act.

“The bill also materially altered the rules bf evidence, giving the Court power to admit evidence that would not be admissible in ordinary criminal trials. The bill was challenged at every stage by the Labor Party, divisions being forced on the message, second reading and various 'clauses. Iri each division the Labor members voted alone, and the bill became law.’’