IS IT OFFENSIVE TO CALL ANOTHER PERSON A COMMUNIST?

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 September 1950, Page 5

IS IT OFFENSIVE TO CALL ANOTHER PERSON A COMMUNIST?

PARLIAMENT BLDGS, Sept. 6 (PA).—A point of order was raised in the House of Representatives tonight as to whether a member was entitled to call another a Communist. Mr. Sutherland (Govt., Hauraki), speaking in the debate on the Budget, said that the Socialist Government nad pandered to Communists for years and there had been too much soft-pedalling with Communists. Communism was a real menace to New Zealand and the world. He had even heard the fled Flag sung in the House with great gusto. Mr. Parry (Opp., Arch Hill), rising to a point of order, asked whether the member was entitled to refer to another member as a Communist. Mr. Speaker: Can the honourable member quote me a ruling? Mr. Parry said he could not but the previous Speaker had given a ruling on the matter. Mr. Maher (Govt., OtakD: Sing it to the strains of the Red Flag. Mr. Holyoake (Minister of Agriculture), speaking to a point of order, said that at certain times and in certain circumstances it might be offensive to call someone a Communist, but he did not hear the member for Hauraki refer to anyone as a Communist. Mr. Parry: All right. If you are going to carry on with it, we will make it hot for you. Mr. Speaker (to the member for Hauraki): Did the honourable member refer to anyone in this House as a Communist? Mr. Sutherland: No, sir. Up said there had been far too much soft-pedalling going on between Socialists and Communists, and it had to stop. He was very pleased that Ihe Socialist Government had been removed from the Treasury Benches. “That will always be a knock to 11m Communists.” he said. Mr. Sutherland said bo had met onlv one bv mess man who was not pleased with ‘he change nf Government. He was th? manufacturer of M, lw Labour badges” and had found his product to be unsaleable.