"KIWI" ASSOCIATION SPLIT

Chronicle (Levin), 30 July 1949, Page 5

"KIWI" ASSOCIATION SPLIT

CHRISTCHURCH, July 29. Christchurch delegates to the 2n(l N.Z.E.F, Association conference "whicli agreed to withdraw its opposition to conscription and support the proposal | have issued a statement dissociating j themselves from the resolution which they alleged "Avas carried through I political pressure." They are calling a special meeting 6f the branch for Sunday afternoon ,and are asking members, Aq .cpnfirm tio opposition to conscription, and if the Dominion Association persists in its change of poliey they Avill ask .the .Christchurch branch ! to secede and forni a IviAvi Club. The delegates who AA'ere instructed to oppose conscription were Messrs. L. Martin (branch secretary), B. Nash, G. C. Ivenny and E. C. Leach. The statement issued by them added: "This branch Avishes to point out that it will c arry cii Avith its fonner policy." The vieAv that these members had no authority to issue a statement commifing the braneh until the question had been reviewed was expressed by Mr. G. A. H. Platt who formed the branch, was its secretary, and is now vicepresident. An executive meeting was to be held 011 Tuesday evening, he said, and tho delegates' report would normally have been recbived then. . He thought members would abide by the new national policy. Mr. Platt is a member of the Dominion executive, but did not attend the conference. The statement by delegates was handed to the anti conscription committee of th0 Canterbury Trades Council today.