“STEP TOWARDS SOCIALISM”

Southland Times, Issue 24004, 20 December 1939, Page 6

“STEP TOWARDS SOCIALISM”

SHARP CROSS-TALK AT AUCKLAND / CONSCRIPTION ISSUE DEBATED ’ / RECRUITING FOR SECOND Aechelon \ (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 19. Sharp cross-1 talks between the Minister of La'nds (the Hon. F. Langstone) and h small section of the audience he i, addressed at the Trades Hall tonight occurred when the issue of conscription was raised ■■ in a question. I t The meeting, comprising representatives of , the Auckland Labour Representation Committee and Auckland Trades Council, was (generally quiet but a dissatisfied section; made itself heard when the question <?f conscription and a referendum on it ',was raised. What the dissentients lacked in numbers they made up for in loudness of voice and freedom of expression. A measure of criticism was hurled at the Minister who was ’accused of being “as bad as Semple” and',he was quick to return the compliment iii a few hastily, but well chosen, words.. A questioner asked the Minister whether the Government would take a referendum on the question of conscription if the appeal for volunteers for the second echelon-of the special New Zealand military force failed. , “Great Britain can live without us and we cannot live without her. . . .” the Minister began. Voices: Come on! answer the question. No hedging! CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH The Minister: If there is going to be conscription there is going to be conscription of wealth. It will mean that you and I will be on soldiers’ ration and soldiers’ pay and if it is going to be that it will be the greatest step forward to collective socialism because when it is over the psychology will have been established. If there are not enough volunteers for the next echelon and we have to take strong measures it will be 100 per cent. Everyone will be in it. There will be one common rule and regimentation and the greatest opponents to it will be the capitalists ana the communists.” A voice: What I want to know' is this. Are we going to have a referendum before conscription? The, Minister: We have been elected. A referendum was taken at the last election. Voices: No! Not on conscription . Mr Langstone: It would be a matter governed by circumstances. We stand pledged to support the programme that has been laid down. PERSISTENT QUESTIONERS A voice: Will you take a referendum or won’t you? The Minister referred to the importance of winning the war. and mentioned the term “communist.” This brought cries of “you’re as bad as Semple” and “listen to the abuse” from one or two of his most persistent.questioners. , A brief lull, perhaps for breath, was put to full advantage by the chairman who promptly called for a vote of thanks to the Minister.. A vote of thanks and of support for the,'Government was carried with one or two dissentient voices. Those who voted against the. resolution did not accept the offer by the chairman to have their names recorded in the minutes of the meeting.