LYONS MUST GO.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1925, Page 3

LYONS MUST GO.

THE PRIME MINISTER’S DECLARATION. THE DEPORTATION ORDER. WELLINGTON, June 11. Replying to -a Labour deputation with reference to the deportation o( [yens, the I’rime Minister said that Parliament had directed that in a matter of this kind certain things should, be done. The Attorney-Gen-eral had merely acted on the advice of the Executive Council. This ipteslion had been carefully considered by the Government whose opinion was—and it was his opinion also—that it was the Government’s duty on behalf of the people to say who should oi should not bo allowed to bind m the country. That was the position. If a nelson was considered to he one who would not assist in the peace and good government of the country and people, as New Zealanders they claimed the right to say to such a (verson ‘‘Aon are no longer required and you mat return to the place you came from. ’ That was his opinion, and it represented the feelings of those who at the moment were carrying on the government of the country. He was pleased to hear that the deputation did not believe in T.W.W. principles or Communism. To that extent they agreed. He had heard it stated that Lyons was a returned soldier who had fought for his country. While it was pleasing to know that, and it was a fact which was to Lyons’s credit, yet at

the same time it did not give any license to come to New Zealand and preach a doctrine that: they did not agree with. “ It: just moans this." said Mr Coates. •* that we as New Zealanders either adopt or otherwise take tip the stand oh saying that we sii*a 11 decide who shall come into the country.’’' On the other hand the Government did not intend to take the risk of allowing people lo say what doctrines might to ho practised and preached here. The Prime Minister added: “II these doctrines were given effect to 1 believe it would lead to a wretched disaster and bring trouble and distress to thousands of citizens who to-day have a reasonable opportunity of getting on their feet and doing well. T lieeed not refer to the matter any further than to say that the Government will carry out the law. I do not know. Mr Young, whether the seamen are prepared to take Mr Lyons hack or whether lie is prepared to go, hut my advice, if he will take friendly advice. is not to make any more bother hut return by the ship without making any further trouble and gel away qnictlv. We know what the law says, and the law will he given effect to. In regard to banned literature, Mr Coates said that it was the duty of the (iovoriiment of any country to decide what reading matter should come into the country. The Government did not underestimate the intelligence of the people, hut it simply said that certain literature in its opinion was not in the public intciests or in the interests o', the people themselves. In the interests of the country and of tin- peace and quietness of the people the Government thought it hotter that same form of ban should he imposed on literature which could not benefit them.