A HIDDEN POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 85, 7 October 1938, Page 16

A HIDDEN POLICY

ELECTORS LULLED

MR. APPLETON'S CAMPAIGN

In the early days of the Labour Party the Marxian Socialist objective was proudly adopted, but knowing that the mass of New Zealanders did not want Socialism, expediency had dictated that the electors must be lulled into a false sense of security, said Mr. W. Appleton National candidate for Wellington Central, at Hataitai last night. The question: "Do you want the State to own your house, or your business, or your farm?" would be answered by an emphatic "No," and that was why the Socialist speakers were so adroit in their statements. At a smoke concert at the Trades Hall shortly after the inauguration of the 40-hour week, the Hon. P. Fraser had advised all unions to become more united, towards the aim of one big organisation from the North Cape to the Bluff. He wanted them to speak with one voice because he wanted them to return Labour at the next election, "and not till then could they divulge their true programme." The Hon. F. Langstone had quoted Karl Marx. The capitalists had had a taste, but only a taste, of what was coming to them, he had said. "There will be no more capitalists in this country," Mr. Langstone said. "They are coming down to your level and you are going to be the masters of industry, and we will see that it is done." "I challenge Mr. Fraser or Mr. Langstone to deny the incident to which I have referred," said Mr. Appleton. "Now we have a further idea of what is in store for us by reading J. A. Lee's book," and he then quoted extracts from the book, a copy of which he had with him. The Communist Party was definitely behind the Labour Party, said Mr. Appleton, and there was a definite connection between the Communist organisation in New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, find Russia, and that was no good to Nev\ Zealand. The meeting, which filled the Realm Hall, was quiet, apart from occasional interjections, which were promptly suppressed. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried with acclamation. Mr. W. J. Gaudin presided.