“CAUSE OF TRUTH”

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21192, 15 August 1940, Page 9

“CAUSE OF TRUTH”

MEETING OF COMMUNISTS SEDDON PARK EXCLUSION Stating that it was acting in the cause of freedom and truth the Waikato Trades Council (New Zealand Federation of Labour), approached the Hamilton Borough Council by letter last night for an explanation of the refusal, some time ago, to allow the Communist Party to hold an open-air meeting at Seddon Park. The writers said # that information was sought concerning the authority under which permission was refused. “The Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, was reported as having stated that the action was taken at the request of the police,” stated the letter. “This organisation communicated with the Minister in charge of the Police Department and we have received a copy of a letter from the Minister. He stated quite clearly that no request was made by the police to withdraw permission granted to the Communist Party to hold meetings at Seddon Park. “In view of this statement, the Trades Council committee requests an explanation of the matter by the Mayor, as it appears that someone has deviated from the path of truth, and the Trades Council desires to know on whose authority the organisation was shut out from the park. The Waikato Trades Council has no particular interest in the Communist Party, but as a workers’ organisation it is interested in the cause of freedom and truth.”

In reply to Mr C. Lafferty, the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, said the park was controlled by the Domain Board. The letter was received.

The Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, presided and also present were Messrs W. M. Cann, C. Croall, F. C. House, R. McCaw, H. M. Hammond, C. Lafferty, F. Findlay, J. R. Fow, T. G. Reynolds, W. R. Shattock and the borough officers. Leave of absence was granted Messrs W. W. Dillicar and J. E. 1 idd.