KISCH’S ATTITUDE REVEALED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19960, 19 November 1934, Page 5

KISCH’S ATTITUDE REVEALED

ADDRESS CLOSED WITH COMMUNIST SIGN United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 18, 11.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 18. Three thousand people gathered at the anti-war meeting in the Domain this afternoon and heard Kisch’s brief address from a raised platform against war and Fascism. A sensational incident occurred when a pacifist, the Rev. A. Rivett, collapsed at the conclusion of a spirited address, while exhorting his hearers to keep on fighting, Mr Rivett dying on the way to the Sydney Hospital, immediately adjoining the Domain. Another speaker appealed to the crowd for “silver bullets of the kind required to tide Kisch over his legal troubles.” Upon which a shower of money came from the onlookers. Rounds of cheers were given for Kisch and Griffin. During his address, Kisch said he brought a message from the oppressed German workers. He concluded his speech with the Communist salute, a clinched fist above his head. His English was difficult to follow. The Rev. Rivett was a former Congregation Minister. He recently conducted a mission. CHASE FOR GRIFFIN LIVELY ACTIVITIES REPORTED United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 18, 7.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 18. A man described as Gerald Griffin, gave an interview with “The Sydney Sun,” after a secret meeting at Newcastle. He said: “I am determined to continue this evasion until such time as I am assured that freedom of speech and action are possible in democratic Australia. I have no desire to voice my political views. I merely wish to denounce war and Fascism. My next aim will be to expose the visit to New Zealand of Sir George Pearce (Federal Minister) and Sir Maurice Hankey (Secretary of the Committee of Imperial Defence). I have so much confidence in my friends here that I am certain I can return to New Zealand without detection. My mission here is to place before the Australians the views held by a large section of the New Zealand people. It is reported from Newcastle that Gerald Griffin unexpectedly appeared at a conference of mine lodge delegates there on Saturday. He addressed the meeting for about a quarter of an hour, criticising the Government’s action in preventing Kisch and himself landing. The conference passed a resolution urging the Trade Union movement to use its best endeavours to secure freedom of action for both men in their crusade against war.