A FALSE ALARM

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2509, 12 October 1915, Page 6

A FALSE ALARM

ABOUT PURCHASE OF FIREARMS.

A few days ago Sir. P. C. Webb, M.P., sometime president of the Federation of Labour, protested in the House against the instructions which he alleged had been issued to the police in certain districts to pay special attention to the doings of Labour Unions. Yesterday Mr. Webb followed the matter up by quoting the following sentence which he said he had reason to believe was contained in a circular to Superintendents of Police: "It is rumoured hero that' trades unionists have purchased large quantities of firearms and ammunition in anticipation of regulations forbidding their sale." The instruction issued was: "Make diligent investigation in reference to same, and report as speedily as possible as to whether such conduct is being carried on by. unionists." Mr. Webb said that this instruction and this circular were an insult to trades unionists, thousands of 'whom had volunteered for-active service. He asked the Minister in Charge of Police to make a statement to the House on the subject. The Hon. A. L. Herdman said lie had no knowledge of the circular from whioh the member for Grey had quoted, but.it was quite possiblo that the. Commissioner of Police had issued the instructions if lie had heard rumours that trades unionists in- any locality were buying firearms. Mr. M'Conibs: Preposterous!

• Mr. Hordman: It is not preposterous at all! If it is stated that. any . section of the community aro buying firearms it is the duty of the police to make inquiries about it. Later Mr. Herdman said lie had made inquiries about the matter, and tlio Commissioner of Police informed him that lie knew nothing about tlio circular, and that no such instruction had been issued to tlio police; •