LABOUR AND THE "BOLSHEVIKS"
EXCEPTION TO USE OF THE TERM.
Exception was taken by the Hon. J. T. Paul in the Legislative Council on 17 odnesday afternoon to tho faot that certain classes of Labour men in New Zealand were referred to as ."Bolsheviks." ,Ho himself did not agree with tho excesses of the Bolsheviks in Russia, but where there had been revolution they must expect excesses, especially amongst a people who were liberating themselves from the thraldom and gross cruelties of Tsardom. The' Bolsheviks made a mistake when they dissolved th'e Constituent Assembly, 'but it was impossible to form a true opinion of the course of affairs in Russia owing to the confusion of the reports from that country. .The reason why the Labour leaders of the country were referred to as Bolsheviks was that it was desired to hurt the futuro growth of the Labour party. Ho had no hesitation in saying that it was a most discreditable method of criticism, and ono that was not likely to help the better government of the country. Sir Francis Bell: Some of tho leaders claim to be Bolsheviks. Mr.'Paul: I know of no leader who claims to be a Bolshevik. Tho Hon. W. Earnshaw: Mr. Peter Feasor does. Mr. Paul: The gentleman (Mr. Earnshaw) might have been a little mora chivalrous yesterday in connection with his criticism of thnt gentleman. He might have known that ho whs lying on o. sick bed suffering from Hie epidemic which ho contracted becauso he threw his heart and soul into the effort of helping: the people of this city. Mr. Earnshaw: That is quite besido tho question. Mr. Paul: I suppose the lion, gentleman knows little of what Mr. Fraser has done. Every man in the Labour Parly is bettor than ho is claimed to be. Mr. Earnshaw said that ho had simply quoted what Mr. Eraser had himself written in a newspaper. Mr. Paul: Candidly, I do not know any many in this country who knows sufficient (o lay claim to be u Bolshevik. The literal meaning of the word "Bolshevik" is "majority." Our responsibility is to establish the best possible system of government in British communities, so that we. may escape tho excesses thai: have occurred in countries where revolution lias been necessary.
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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 55, 29 November 1918, Page 5
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382LABOUR AND THE "BOLSHEVIKS" Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 55, 29 November 1918, Page 5
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