Democracy v. Communism

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 99, 13 May 1937, Page 7

Democracy v. Communism

"RANK AND F1LK"

(fo the Hditor) Sir. — Arising out of tho general l&faourerg' meeting field recently in Napier, &n feported in yOur issue qf Hay 10, it appeara to me that a Iittk further information on the stibject will be of interest not only to those imffledi-> ateiv concerned, but alSo to the generai publio^ Speuking as a rank-and-file member of the Hawke's Bay tinion, it astounded me to iearn per medium ot your paper that the hitherto most ardent advocates of rank-and-file control Voted against a resoiuiion to refer the matfcer in dispute to a general meeting of all concerned. Among those opposing the resolution were Messrs R. Bellerby, H. Hay, and J. Cummings. it js common feport that this trio of gentiemen have been identifled with the Cohimunist cause. The motto of all good Communists— according to Lenia — is "Wreck to Rebuild." Messrs Kay, UUnimifigs fihd Bellerby mustfl feel proud of their .work in Hawke's Bay, for the majority of tbe Napier meeting wero so confused that they failed to cust a ycrte on the vital democratio issue raised. Only three voted for the resolution, two of them being Messrs MeKee and G. Jenniiigs. It has been proved beyond dispute that the "white-anting" poiicy of fhe Communists, both here and in Aus* tralia, is mainly direoted against the Labour Batty. Discredit all leaders of Labour ofganisfitioas, .confuse the rank and fiie by rsising side issues, and gaifl oontroi on & split votej failing this, wreok the drganisatioii • these are the tacties of the GomffiUnists. During. the paSfc few months the full weight of thd Communistic attack has been brought to beaf on Mr (j. Jetiniiig . the general seeretary of the Haw «e's Bay JBuiiders' and Generai Labourers' Union. little has been ieft undone to discredit this ataunch und eompeteut Labour offlci&L For twenty-six years Mr Jenniogs has served the cause of demooraey throughout New Zealand. His work has ihe hafLmdrk of approvai by the natioaai executive of the Labour Batty. ' in the - , industriai field the recent award, eccured under Mr jenning^ guidance, is recognised as an outstanding achievementi The ehoice that flow iies before the union is : Demoeracy or Gommun-

Hastings, May