COMMUNISM DEBATE WANTED BY WANGANUI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 May 1949, Page 4

COMMUNISM DEBATE WANTED BY WANGANUI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

‘1 think we are far too complacent about Communism and when the test comes we will get some very big surprises,” commented Mr S. R. McCallum at last night’s meet ng of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce when there was a brief discussion regarding the subject of Commun- . ism being discussed at the annual conference o' the Associated Chandlers of Conierce. “Frankly. I think the question of Communism should certainly be discussed at the conference to see what organised steps can be taken to head it off,” said Mr McCallum. “At the present the Communists are organised and we are not. It we do not get organised soon to fight this evil wn will be too late." “We are up against a militant doctrine. If we are not prepared to meet it we will get a big surprise,” said Mr S J. Sullivan. “We are only putting off the evil day. We will have tr face up to it some time or other," said Mr C. D. Corliss. It was essential that the matter should be discussed at the conference if for no other reason than the financial loss suffered by industry as a result of Communism, ’ said Mr T. M. Dickson. Although an executive ot I the Carpenters' and Joiners’ Union had declared that the industrial disruption in Auckland was in no way due to the influence ol Communismj the national secretary of tne union, j Mr Stanley, was an avowed Commun--1 ist. i "Anyone who says that the influence of Communism is not be- | ing felt in this trouble is speaking drivel,” said Mr Dickson. As a result of the dispute, said Mr Dickson, thousands of houses were being lost, the workers had already lost from £50,000 to £60,000 in wages, and industry had lost considerably. “If that is not a good subject for discussion at the conference then I would like to know what is.” concluded Mr Dickson.

The matter was raised in a letter from the Associated Chambers ot Commerce stating that the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce was desirous of having the annua! conference at Auckland next week debate the question of Communism. The Associated Chamber had pointed out that the only way in which the matter could be brought forward was by all delegates being unanimous in their desire for such a discussion. Members agreed tna* the Wanganui delegates should be instructed to seek a discussion on the effects of Communism on industry.