THE MENACE OF BOLSHEVISM

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 122, 17 February 1919, Page 4

THE MENACE OF BOLSHEVISM

FARMERS UNITING FOR PROB-. ABLE WARFARE. By Telegraph.-Special Correspondent. Palmerston N,, February 16. In anticipation of any attempts which may bo mnda to raise the standard of Bolshevism in New Zealand the'farmers of the Maiiawatu are actively organising and preaching solidarity amongst their number. To. this end a largely-attended meeting was held here on Saturday, under the auspices of the Farmers' Union, at which there were several speakers; including Mr. W. J. Poison, of Wanganui, who gave his impressions of Queensland under the Labour Government's regime. Mr. Poison, in his address, pointed to the alarming spread of Bolshevism in Queensland under a Government which fostered disloyalty and disorder, and unfairly discriminated against the employers.

The president of the local centre (Mr. J. A. M'Lety) said that the meeting was held in furtherance of the union's scheme of organisation. It was quite evident that something must be done to cope with the situation in New Zealand. This was becoming more apparent every day. Farmers would have to sink all differences mid stand together as one man, Mr. Poison's address ought to convince any reasonable man that the time for action could not be any further delayed. They had waited too long to do the duty they owed to themselves and to their country. Mr. G. L. Marshall, president of the Provincial Centre of the Farmers' Union,, emphasised the fact that in the past farmers had made the mistake of not beiiijj able to approach Parliament backed up with a solid bqdy of opinion from their own members. • The danger of labour unrest was becoming more pronounced. After referring to the danger of Bolshevik propaganda being spread in New Zealand, Mr. Marshall said that {he farmers would have to stand shoulder to shoulder, and let the Government see that they were in earnest.

Several other prominent farmers addressed the meeting, and all emphasised the fact that there was a real danger of Bolshevism, of striking and riots in New Zealand unless they organised, and effective measures were taken to cope with 'thte menace.