Final copies of Two opposite lines in the CPNZ. Includes handwritten notes by McAra., July 1975

These papers dating from 1971 to 1975 document the ideological split between McAra and the CPNZ, which culminated in McAra and Wilsie’s expulsion from the party in February 1974.

The ideological arguments between McAra and members of the Political Committee, in particular Dick Wolf and Vic Wilcox, are overlaid by accusations made against McAra of big –shotism and the misuse of Party funds.

This series includes copies of correspondence between McAra and Wilsie and the Political Committee and National Committee of the CPNZ, and drafts of appeals against the various accusations made against them. These appeals include an approximately 40 page document entitled Fighting for Marxism - Leninism in the CPNZ, often referred to in draft form as the 40 pager by McAra and Wilsie.

Material listed here should be viewed in conjunction with correspondence from the same period listed in Series 1.

After their expulsion McAra and Wilsie continued to promote what they saw as the correct Marxist - Leninist view, spending their remaining years preparing and distributing pamphlets and study material.