The Need of Force.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 183, 4 August 1931, Page 6

The Need of Force.

To the Editor. Dfear Sir, —From my point of view, the so-called Communist procession on Saturday was nothing but a peaceful procession of unemployed, men and women, protesting against the rotten conditions they arc forced to live under because there is no work for them. Probably if F.L.H. was a member of the unemployed he would take a different view of the demonstration. Your correspondent says that to the true Britisher such scenes are disgusting and degrading. Is it not more degrading in' this city alone to have hundreds of people living in a state of semi-starvation and in a land of plenty? Is F.L.H. aware of the fact that there were men in that procession who risked their lives for this country in the World War and that these men are now on the labour market and real poverty stricken in order that the country they fought for can make payments to international moneylenders who have less patriotism than any Communist is supposed to have? I suppose F.L.H. would call the unemployed true Britishers if they suffered the poverty and semi-starvation without a kick! Sir, the workers, and especially the unemployed, are becoming fed up with the poverty that has to be endured in order that this young country can pay her w*ar debt. They are fed up with the slump, and they are waking up to the fact that the slump, as well as the last Great War, was brought about by a few international financiers to their benefit. The workers, the small business men and the farmers are now becoming nware of the fact that these international sharks can bring about a slump whenever they think their pockets need one, and that is how the under-dog is beginning to see the position to-day, yet they are condemned for protesting. The unemployed were certainly foolish to parade like they did; there should have been more of them I might also state that your correspondent's statement re injustice and legalised murder lacing practice*? in Russia is absolute!}* a fabrication, and so I would like to advise F.L.H. before he again condemns another country without facts to help first in putting God’s Own in order I am. etc., A BIRCHFIELD.