PUBLIC SAFETY ACT

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 223, 19 April 1933, Page 2

PUBLIC SAFETY ACT

LABOUR PARTY'S VIEW-

POINT

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 Labour Party presented to the annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party m Auckland by Mr. H. E. Holland, MP.. ].< idcr of the Opposition. The report found »ne redeeming feature in the measure, which was that its powers could be invoked b;, n Labour Government for taking over the lv: its and other institutions in an effort toward 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 Hie latter date a belligerent statement was made by the Prime Minister in the House, and called forth protests from the Labour Party. On April l"j there was further trouble at Auckland, and on the 19th the Prime Minister, by Governor-General's Message, introduced the Public Safely Conservation Bill—legislation which reflected the Government's condition of panic. In its clauses the Government took power to declare a state of emergency throughout New Zealand and to exercise exceptional powers. Provision was made to protect both the Government and its officials against claims arising out of illegal acts by them or for damage done in the administration of the Act.

"The Bill also materially altered the rules of 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 Labour Party, divisions being forced on the message, second reading and various clauses. In each division the Labour members voted alone, and the Bill became law."