MAYOR’S OFFER

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1933, Page 6

MAYOR’S OFFER

TO WELLING TO N. COMM UNI STS

THEIR PASSAGE TO RUSSIA

(Per Press Association —Copyright)

WELLINGTON, July 12

A public statement .made by the Mayor of Lower Hutt, Mr J. W. Andrews, that he had offered to arrangethe passage to Russia of any Communist in the district who desired to go there, was denied recently by a resident of Lower Hutt. Mr Andrews said to-day that he had written to the person concerned offering to mail the cost of a passage- to Russia for him, his wife and their three children.

. “After mv election, and before 1. had been installed as Mayor, I received a. deputation of three wellknown. Communists,” said Mr Andrews. “I promised to investigate their eases distress which they placed before me, anj I appealed to the speakers to allow me an opportunity to organise some practical assistance for relief workers and their families. On condition that they undertook to cease their agitating, I undertook to find food and clothing for all distressed cases. They declined my offer. I then asked one of them if he knew of any other couhtry he liked better than New Zealand, and, if so I would arrange transport for him; hut my offer was received in silence. Later,, he announced . that he would agree to go to Russia if I would' pay the cost of a passage for his. wife and -'threel’lehildren. I have accepted the increased liabi lityy ‘.ainji AtavOl asked him if he will be ready to leave by the Makura on July 25th.”