THE NEW GUARD

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1932, Page 3

THE NEW GUARD

DENOUNCED BY LYONS. “PREJUDICIAL TO PEACE.” (Australian Press Association.) CANBERRA. March 12. Without actually mentioning the New Guard, the Prime Minister, Mr Lyons, said that the Government had received information from reliable sources that organisations had been created which were prejudicial to the maintenance of peace and order. The Government fully realised its responsibilities under ,t,he constitution for the maintenance of law and order, and would not hesitate to discharge them. Therefore, they would not permit unauthorised military formations in any part of the Commonwealth. He appealed to all citizens to co-operate with the constituted- authority to preserve peace in the community.

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST POLICE. WRITS SERVED ON LEADER. SYDNEY, March 12. Following the New Guard’s presentation of the petition to the Governor yesterday, Mr Childs, Commissioner rt Police, made a statement, denying the truth of a number of references by the New Guard, which were derogatory to the police organisation, impugning its integrity. Incidents were quoted to show that the police were subservient to some questionable influence, which had never happened. Writs have been issued claiming from Colonel Eric Campbell, Leader of the Guard, the sums of £943 and £989. being taxation for the years 1930-31. Campbell says that lie will not pay the State tax until Mr Lang is out of office, nor the Federal tax until the Federal Government honours its election pledge and takes action against the Reds.

Mr Lyons’ warning is understood to refer not only to tlie New Guard, but also to the Workers Defence Army, both of whose activities have been under observation. If the warning is disregarded the Commonwealth Government has power to proclaim any organisation illegal. The penalty for unauthorised training for armed defence, or resistance, is five years’ imprisonment for a driller and two years’ for other participants.