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Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1932, Page 4

The deplorable event at Auckland will have the effect of opening the eyes of the public to harm done by wild and extreme talk in various parts of tiie Dominion, not. omitting the House of Parliament. But the Lterious import of the occasion will awaken the people to a sense of the situation, and there will he greater support than ever to the Government in the endeavour to cope with New Zealand’s trouble. The Auckland incident culminated in wanton destruction, not out of want, but for sheer mischief. Mob lawruled for the time being, the authori-

ties being taken unawares, ana no time will be lost in remedial measures. There should 1 be some explanation of , the demonstration of the Postal officiate. who arranged the procession, amt then; .should be a departmental inquiry to fix a share of the blame of 1 the evening’s troubles ou the organisers of that prove-won. It was made no doubt for profingandn purposes, knowing there was, an element who 'could be enlisted; to make a large parade. But with, Parliament sitting it was a waste and empty show to mi fluence the trend of events. Governj ment officials have had ample liberty to ventilate their views, and they should abide by the decision of their employer?, or make room for others of an orderly nature to take their places. For political purposes many of the unthinking of the officiate have been .used by an extreme section to defy authority and seek to browbeat and overthrow those placed in charge. Something more sensible might he expected from the section referred to. and this parade of force will tend to move public opinion in a manner which will he very uncomfortable for the agitator? creating the inside trouble. This aspect of the dteeracefnl nrrreeding? at Auckland inert be looked into so that nnv servants <; f the public who became embroiled in the disturbance and its effects should be called to account. The incident is a lesson to the public how great a dis-

aster may suddenly arise, and the authorities will he expected to keep a tighter rein on these whose- bent has bemi to organise and encourage defiance of lawful authoritv. and seek fo make trouble where it js not. necessary. On the contrary, the helping hand te what i-' wanted, and if given we would the quicker escape our present troubles.