The Daily News. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1919. ORGANISED OBSTRUCTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1919. ORGANISED OBSTRUCTION.

Among the most cherished heritages of the British race arc freedom of speech and justice, but if we are to judge by the organised obstructions which are taking place at political meetings in many parts of the Dominion, it would seem that a section of the community is throwing to tlje winds all fair play and toleration, apparently with the object of howling down all views but their own. A notable instance of these tactics was evidenced recently in South Dunadin, when the Independent Labor candidate (Mr. W. Black) had his meeting entirely broken up by a scene of disorder and uproar that showed the length to which the extremists will go. Political meetings are popularly regarded as an opportunity for heckling, but, in the past, interjections and queries have been prompted in a spirit of good humor that relieved the monotony. The evolution of the Labor extremists has brought in its train many evils, not the least of which are intolerance and the doctrine of force as practised by those who see "Red." When the electors are invited to hear any of the candidates' addresses there is a moral obligation on their part to conduct themselves with propriety, though more than the usual latitude is allowed on> such occasions. Seeing how widespread is the operations of the extremists, it can only reasonably be inferred that the violent pro-Labor tactics now in vogue are the outcome of a deliberately organised campaign to discredit sane Labor and the other political parties, and destroy freedom of speech as well as other privileges of the electors.. This sort of thing has reached a point that i 3 arousing indigna- ( tion, and causing great harm to the j interests of Labor. Within the past fortnight, meetings which were to have been addressed by three candidates, all opposed by "official" Labor men, have been forced to break up in disorder without the views of the candidates being heard, while sparsely attended meetings of Labor candidates have. Been immune from disorder. If this is the extremists' notion of a square deal the eyes of the public will have been opened as to what 1 may be expected if these ever controlled ( the destiny of the country. . Matters

have reached such a pass is Wellington that the Evening Post has declared that ■ the citizens must, protect themselves against this outrageous attack upon their political privileges. The denial of prominent Labor leaders that there is anyorganised plot to gag and muzzle their •opponents may he taken for what It is worth—the widespread rowdyism speaks for itself. Labor has everything to gain by proving it possesses those qualities which appeal to British love of fair play, and if it desires that fair representation in Parliament to which it is entitled, then it should deal with the unruly portion of its contingent with firmness and decision. A Labor candidate expects, and is entitled to, a fair hearing, and it is the same with all other aspirants, to parliamentary honors. The destruction of the privilege of free speech may be taken asthe first wedge to be driven into all other cherished privileges that our forefathers suffered and died for. Since writing the above, a press message has come to hand, giving details of the disgraceful scene at the (Jhriatchurch Colosseum, where the Premier (the Eight. Hon. W. F, Massey) was to'deliver an address last night. The rowdy element, was- evidently in strong force, but as the building was densely packed, the police prevented the remainder of the people outside from

entering. Then ensued what may be described as Bedlam let loose. A section of the crowd climbed on the roof, stormed and broke the skylights, battered in the fire escape doors, and surged into the building. The cheers, hoots and buttering had already prevented the meeting being proceeded with. In spite of this hostile demonstration, the Premier rose to speak, but his voice was completely drowned by the efforts of the battering rams on the side doors, and when the inrush took place the meeting had to be abandoned. In his 'charity, the Premier desires to regard this organised opposition as a passing phase that would bring its own remedy. It is hardly likely such optimism will be shared by the community in general, and the sooner these extreme tactics are Tegarded as a virulent disease, the sooner will the remedy be applied. The Premier of a country certainly deserves the- respect due to the ofßce le holds—the highest in the land—and if this is not accorded to him, there is cause for grave trouble ahead unless the position is faced with firmness, and dealt with effectively.