“POLICY OF BULLY.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 373, 15 March 1932, Page 1

“POLICY OF BULLY.”

Clydeside M.P.’s Seize Room in House. LONDON, March 4. Angered at the Labour Party’s refusal to allot them a room in the House of Commons, members of the Independent Labour group have resorted to direct action. Messrs M'Govern, Buchanan and Maxton raided Room 13, which is occupied by the former member, Mr Charles Buxton, on behalf of the Labour Party, removed his books, papers and furniture, and took possession of it. Mr M Govern subsequently wrote to Mr Buxton, addressing him as “ Dear Comrade,” notifying him that the group had decided to occupy the room. Mr Buxton heatedly replied, accusing the Clydeside members of having adopted a policy of bully, and adding that his Quaker principles forbade his retaliating. He asked what would happen when a more muscular group than the Independent Labour Party wanted the Room 13. Mr M’Govern retorted that violence was sometimes less harmful than the Labour Party’s “ mean and uncoraradely methods.” The trio meanwhile is consolidating its position and taking precautions against a counter-attack. The Speaker (Captain E. A. FitzRoy) interviewed Mr Maxton and expressed strong disapproval of the raid.