COMMUNISM IN N.Z.

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 191, 30 August 1937, Page 14

COMMUNISM IN N.Z.

— Pres8 Association.)

Law and Order the Subjects of Jest LAB0UR CIRCLES 'ALARMED

(By Tolegrapb

JJUJNiuJJJJN, AUg. zo. The menacing growth of Communistic influence in trades unions and tlie enticement. to direct action, making law and order subjects of jest, are viewed with open alarm in saner Labour circlos, which consider that the Government should show its courage by prosecuting breakers of industrial laws. The supineness of the Government in handling strikes made by unionists working under awards is considered by. them to be damaging to the Government, and they also fear that the loss of prestige will be reflected in the country vote at the next general election. "The growing influence of the Communist party in the trades union movement is the problem which the Government will have tp face in the very near future," declared a Dunedin man, whose connection has been long and valuable to Labour, both politically and industrially. "As members of various unions they are at present endeavouring to capture executive positions," he said. "They are aggressive, persevering and loquacious, and with a Aaif for 'mob oratory' assiduously cultivated at their own meetings in the years when they were repressed. They easily succeed in dominating the passive majority, of which the unions are composed. They do not overtly propagate Communisin — they are too shrewd and patient to do that — but they endeavour to become leaders in all movements in which workers are interested, and it is just there that the Government'g greatest danger lies. "What the Government now requires is the backbone and courage to pnnish the industrial law-hreakers, so that law and order will not become a jestin th« streets," he concluded.