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THE NEW GUARD

PETITION TO KING. SIDNEY, Friday. Members of the New Guard, without ceremony, to-day presented to the Governor, Sir Philip Game, a petition for forwarding to the King, praying that action bo taken to dissolve the NewSouth Wales Parliament.

The procession of New Guardsmen, originally planned to precede the visit to Government House, was abandoned ostensibly on the ground that a number of members were unable to leave work to-day.

Twenty Guardsmen, wearing official arm-bands, inarched in fours to Government House, but only twelve were allowed to enter, including the leader, Colonel Eric Campbell. A large number of the public waited about the gates in idle curiosity, but no disorder of any kind occurred.

Colonel Campbell sought to preface the presentation of the petition with a few’ comments, but his Excellency politely suggested, “Better read the petition first.” Colonel Campbell acquiesced, after which his Excellency remarked:

“I am quite ready to forward the petition to his Alajosty, but as far as I can ascertain I do not think it my duty to forward the accompanying comments, nor do I think it wise to enter into further explanation or discussion.”

Colonel Campbell: As your Excellency pleases. I shall hand you a typewritten statement of my comments. ' The Governor: Do you wish it sent to his Alajesty? Colonel Campbell: I do. The Governor: Then I shall have to investigate my position before doing

The petition and statement were then handed to the Governor. The main feature of the statement was an offer to abandon the New Guards’ physical organisation immediately a dissolution was granted. Upward of 500,000 signatures were appended to the petition. STATEMENTS DENIED. (Received Saturday, 10.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Following upon the “New r Guard’s” presentation of a petition to the Governor yesterday, Air Childs, Commissioner of Police, made a statement denying the truth of a number of references by the “New Guard,” derogatory to the police- organisation, and impugning its integrity. Incidents, quoted to show that the police were subservient to some questionable influence, never happened. Writs have been issued claiming from Colonel Eric Campbell £943 and £989 taxation for the years 1930 and 1931. Colonel Campbell says that lie will not pay the. State tax until Mr Lang is out of * office, nor a Federal tax until the Federal Government honours its election pledges to take action against the “Reds.” A GOVERNMENT WARNING. (Received Saturday, 9 aim.) CANBERRA, This Day. Without actually mentioning the “New Guard” the Prime Alinister, Air j a. Lyons, said the Government had received information from reliable sources that organisations had been created which were prejudicial to the maintenance of peace and order. The Got - eminent was fully seized of its responsibilities under the constitution for the maintenance of law and order and would not hesitate to discharge them; therefore, it w-ould not permit unauthorised military formations in any part of the Commonwealth.

He appealed to all citizens to cooperate with constituted authority, to preserve peace in the community. Air Lyons’ warning is understood to refer not only to. the ‘‘New Guard,” but also to the Workers’ Defence Army, both of whose activities have been under observation. ‘lf the warning is disregarded, the Commonwealth Government has the power to proclaim any organisation illegal. The penalty for unauthorised training for an armed offence or resistance is live years’ imprisonment for the driller, and two years for the other participants.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WDT19320312.2.25

Bibliographic details

Wairarapa Daily Times, 12 March 1932, Page 5

Word Count
567

THE NEW GUARD Wairarapa Daily Times, 12 March 1932, Page 5

THE NEW GUARD Wairarapa Daily Times, 12 March 1932, Page 5