R.S.A. To Seek Opinion Of Branches On Allowing Communists As Members

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 June 1948, Page 6

R.S.A. To Seek Opinion Of Branches On Allowing Communists As Members

(P.A.) Wellington, June 25. The attitude of the N.Z.R.S.A. to Communism and membership of the association was discussed at the annual conference. A motion was passed, which, in effect, stated that as the N.Z.R.S.A. had as one of its objects loyalty to the Throne and the British Commonwealth, whereas Communists at their recent conference did not express any loyalty to New Zealand or the British Commonwealth, any member of the party could not be eligible for membership of the N.Z.R.S.A., under its present constitution. The decision of the conference, however, was nullified by the request of Mr. J. D. Gerard (Whangarei) for a card vote on the subject, for cards were not available. The motion will be forwarded to associations for comment and a decision will probably be reached at a future meeting, it was stated.

Opposing the motion, Mr. Gerard said that as it would mean the expulsion of any Communists at present members of the association, a decision in its support would savour of favouritism. The funds from which members were able to draw assistance were held as trust from the people the Dominion, he said. All who had seen war service had a prima facie case for eligibility to accept any benefits from the funds. The chairman of the conference, Mr C. O. Bell, pointed out that assistance from the funds was available for any ex-serviceman, whether or not he was a member of the association. This also applied to the association’s funds. Mr. Gerard considered Communists could be better controlled if remaining as members of the R.S.A., where their activities could be curbed. This attitude was supported by some other delegates. ” hn contended that the motion implied that ’ R.S.A. did not f«n' - • ' W l‘.’ subversive elements in membersh An alternative nro—. > at before the meeting, dealing with general references to subversive and dislo activities and the effort to cope with them through increased education in schools, was lost.