COMMUNIST ACTIVITY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4741, 22 August 1924, Page 1

COMMUNIST ACTIVITY.

“MENACE TO WORKINC CLASS.” LABOUR CIRCLES PERTURBED. Communists in Christchurch are causing considerable perturbation in Labour circles, according to statements made by a prominent Labour official to a reporter. The position in Christchurch, he said was worse than in any other centre of the Dominion. “They are few in numbers,’’ he said, “but they have the knack of getting into the heart of the movement. They are gaining places on the executive of various Labour and are causing considerable concern amongst the saner Labour men.” The Communists, he continued, belonged to a small organisation in Eng-lish-speaking countries, but were very keen and zealous in spreading their doctrines. They aimed at “getting into the shddle” where possible, hoping thus, in spite of opposition, to force the Labour movement into actions which the majority deplored. As yet in Christchurch they had been unable ,to do much, but they were making their presence felt. Their number included one or two elderly men, but they had a small following of irresponsible youths. “They are all Marxian authorities,” said the official with a smile. “They have read a sixpenny pamphlet and are therefore qualified to teach the principles of Communism. At the annual meeting of one labour body held a day or two ago in Christchurch three Communists were elected io executive positions. These men also held positions on the Labour 'Representation Committee. They had also worked their way into the educational movements. They seemed to be worming their way into the heart of working class movements with the object eventually of gaining representation in Parliament. They were elected to these Labour bodies from affiliated unions having gained the confidence of those who attended the union meetings by the skilful use of their tongues. “These men,” the official continued, “are a menace to the working class. They are men who are never without a grouch. They have one aim, that of putting the yoke of Communism upon the people, and are not very scrupulous as to their methods of attaining this ideal.” The speaker referred to the statement made in Queensland recently by Mr Theodore, the Labour Premier, who said that Communists were working from the heart of the movement, intent on its destruction; they were a canker which would disease the whole Labour movement, and ultimately destroy jt unless they were removed. “That is what we are up against in New Zealand,” concluded this official. Conversing with a member of a union, the reporter was informed that several Communists who were members of one trade had taken charge of his union, had been elected to the executive of the union, and then had sent themselves as delegates to the L.R.C. Trades and Labour Council and other bodies. “We can’t do anything at present,” he said, “but hope to be able to get rid of them when the next annua! meeting comes round.”