“FREE SPEECH.”

Southland Times, Issue 25312, 15 June 1935, Page 15

“FREE SPEECH.”

To the Editor.

'Sit,—Yourself and correspondents; P. Marchant and “All for All" are dragging irrelevant matter into the discussion that has taken place as a result of the City Council’s refusal to allow Mr Gerald Griffin to speak from the Post Office rotunda. The point that should be made clear by the petty Hitlers on the City Council is why, when the Labour Party and the Relief Workers’ Association have used the rotunda to speak from, should an exception be made in the case of Mr Griffin. Does not the City Council’s action constitute an infringement against the rights of “freedom of speech?” The question of Communism, the weather and Soviet Russia are like the flowers that bloom in the spring—they haven’t anything to do with the case.

Another explanation that should be forthcoming from the City Fathers is why did they allow the Mayor to accept a direct negative in the form of an amendment from Councillor Ritchie. Councillor Denham moved: “That the request from the Anti-War and Fascist Pouncil be granted.” Councillor Ritchie moved as an amendment “that the request be declined,” a direct negative. Yet this was allowed to pass without one councillor protesting. It is no wonder than, the City Council’s meetings provide a fund of amusement for the people, when our’ City Fathers don’t kribw the elementary rules of procedure for meetings.—l am, etc., ANTI-FASCIST.