INDISCIPLINE WILL NOT BE COUNTENANCED

Chronicle (Levin), 10 May 1947, Page 5

INDISCIPLINE WILL NOT BE COUNTENANCED

— * —Press Association

By Telegrapic-

WELLINGTON, May 9. "The defence forces of the country had to be disciplined forces and anytning that undermmed that discipiine couid not be countenanced or toierated," said the Prime Minister, Mr. P. t raser, in discussing in an interview tonight, the case of the Beltona rati..gs who recently walked otf the cruiser. He added t^iat any persons who aid-d or abetted such indiseipiine or de^rtion would inevitabiy place themselves in the position of accomplices. Earlier Mr. Fraser had met representatives of the council of the Federation of Labo-or who finished their special meeting in Wellington toctay. xxe said the case of the Beltona ratings was mentioned among a numher of other subjects, by representatives of the Federation of Labour in the most friendly and helpful way. He had explained that the men who had walked off the ship had placed themselves in the position of deserters. It seemed many had done so under a complete misapprehension as to the benefits conferred by the new scales of pay and in regard to many other matters. The law on the Statute Book dealing with deserters was there to be administered. Mr. Fraser said that while discipiine had to be firmly uplield if the men returned to their duties he felt there would he no vindictive punishment. Failing their return the law would have to take its course. While he expressed appreciation oi the helpful and friendly way and sense of responsibility with which the council of the Federation of Labour had ap proached him and the Minister of Defence in regard to the matter, he stated what was .thoroughly understood and appreciated loy the council was that the Government was compelled to take. a very grave view of the matter and it was not one in which the Govem ment would feel any responsibility to my section or organisation other than bo the people of the Domiriion.