A JUDGE OF ‘SNAKES’

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1931, Page 7

A JUDGE OF ‘SNAKES’

PREACHERS OF VICIOUS. DOCTRINE.

PALMERSTON NORTH, Nov. 1& Referring to those who, he said, were preaching a vicious doctrine in New Zealand, Air Justice Blair made a vigorous denunciation of their activition when speaking at the annual meet of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce last evening, “There is another thing which lias a certain political aspect, but I will take' the risk of mentioning it. I refer to the subject of snakes,” stated his Honor, after indicating; that he was precluded by the nature of his office from entering into political discussions.

“Although the importation of snaKeg into this country is forbidden,” he added, “there is in New Zealand a certain class of people preaching a pernicious doctrine which does not tend to build up, but tends to destroy, the British constitution. These people come here preaching a doctrine amanating from another nation. We are suffering from the fact that there are a certain number of these people in New Zealand actively attempting to preach a doctrinei which, I am sure, must be revolting to any person with the well-being of his country at heart, 1 should like to see legislation introduced which will make New Zealand too hot to hold those people, whom I call ‘snakes.’

“I reiterate,” added his Honor, “that I would like to see introduced in New Zealand legislation not only to prevent these people from reaching our fair shores, buit which will be effective in clearing out. such as have obtained a footing} here. Send this form of rattlesnake back to bask in the sunshine of the particular political atmosphere near its heart.”