LABOUR INTERESTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 70, Issue 81, 13 June 1944, Page 2

LABOUR INTERESTS

CONFERENCE WITH MINISTER DISTRICT BRANCHES MEET The combined members of the Edgecumbe, Awakeri and Whakatane brandies of the New Zealand Labour Party met the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works', in the Borough Chambers on Tuesday evening May 29. The meeting was chaired by Mr D. Alexander, secretary of the Edgecumbe branch. Mr Semple and Mr Alexander both old stalwarts of the Labour movement, recalled their experience together on the West Coast many years ago. One could see the pleasure each other derived when again meeting after so many years. Mr Semple gave a short address which included the progress of the war in the Pacific, New Zealand's earlier necessity for defence, and concluded his speech with some very potent remarks on the Labour movement in general, setting out the need for future activities and a more vigorous policy of legislation for the benefit of New Zealand as a whole. River erosion was to be tackled on a national basis, an aerial survey having been made in order to start scientific planning. The Minister suggested that catchment boards would probably be set up in the areas concerned. He was loathe to spend public money on what would be only artificial measures for flood prevention. It was a national concern and must, be tackled as such. Mr Semple ridiculed the idea that the miners were responsible for New Zealand's coal shortage. The production per man . was higher now than ever it was. The shortage being due to the loss of coal imports from Australia and the great expansion of New Zealand's industry since Labour came into office.

During question time much discussion arose on the recent flood damage. Many farmer members expressed their disappointment at the rather latent relief measures. When asked by the Minister whether they had applied for relief, many did not know that this had to be done. Mr Semple expressed the opinion that relief could hardly be given unless the Government knew the extent of the damage and loss of. stock etc. He concluded by saying tfyat many full grants had already been made. He did not, however favour grants to those who were in a sound financial position. The benzine question brought forward many strong remarks from the meeting which suggested that benzine was being used in many cases other than those for which it had been provided. The Minister concluded by promising that the complaints made would be. handed on to the departments concerned. The evening ended with supper at the Central Grills, members expressing their delight at the quality of the food provided. The. Minister thanked the proprietor personally for the excellent supper.