DISLOYALISTS TO THE FORE.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 31 March 1919, Page 4

DISLOYALISTS TO THE FORE.

EXTREMISTS AT CHRISTCHURCH. Christchurch retains its reputation for harbouring freaks. On Tuesday a deputation of local extremists waited on the Hon. tt. W. Russell and urged the liberation from gaol of tlie conscientious objectors.. There were some very warm passages, of which this is a sample: “Does anybody say,” asked Mr Russell, “that if we had nu system in preparation, and no British Navy to come as our guard, we should have the British flag over us today and have a constitution and democracy and liberty such as we have now?” (Voices: Vos, yes.) Proceed [dug, Mr Russell said lie remembered T time' before the war when somebody ‘.vas overheard to say iu Cathedra* -square that he would just-as soon be mder the German flag. A nicmbev of 'lie -deputation: “Just as soon now.” ‘What!” demanded Mr Russell, “are there people in this room who, after they have read of Germany’s record in Belgium and 1-ilie, would say tlicy ivouhl as soon live under .the German flag as under the British?” (Many j cries, of “Yes.") At one stage Mr Charles if. Smith, president : of the Christchurch branch of tho New Zea--1 land Socialist Party, declared in a loud , voice that men like Mr Russell were I guilty of the foulest and bloodiest mur* 1 der. He did not care a damn whether l they took him to prison in the morning. but he- would speak on behalf of his three dead nephews. Our boys had i been murdered as though they wore a “lot of damned rats.” The men who | had stayed at home and sent those boys [ out to die in their thousands, to his [ mind, were so disgusting that he marvelled at their impudence to walk the streets. (Loud applause.) The Minister concluded by challenging his interlocutors to put up a candidate to contest the Avon scat with him on the issue of conscription.