MR. SEMPLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 94, 17 October 1940, Page 13

MR. SEMPLE

LABOUR CRITICS WANT

HIM REMOVED

MINISTER'S SARDONIC

COMMENT

A resolution expressing, disapproval of recent utterances by the Minister of Man-power (the Hon. .R. Semple) was passed by the'Oamaru branch of the Labour Party' recently. There were one or two . dissentients, states the Christchurch "Press." .'

Letters' embodying the terms of the resolution were sent to-Mr. Semple, the Labour Representation Committee, and the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser). . The resolution was:—"That members of the party view with dismay and disgust some oi the recent actions and outrageous utterances of the Minister of Man-power! Especially reprehensible, is his veiled injunction made in Christchurch at the- formation of the Home Guard. While the term 'fifth columnist' remains .undefined and vague, such incitement to summary and violent action savours too much of the type of admonition a' Fascist leader might give to his thugs and storm troopers. This is a new and dangerous development introducing trends completely foreign to our democratic method of dispensing justice. We therefore declare ourselves as having no further confidence in Mr. Semple, and call on the Prime Minister to remove him from office."

In his ;reply by telegram Mr. Se"mp;le said:—

"I am in receipt of and have perused your letter dated 9th instant. As a result am suffering complete nervous breakdown and my medical- advisers are sceptical as to whether I shall survive the shock. In case of my demise trust you will be: benevolent enough to send wreath."

Emergency Regulations and the Prime Minister's comment thereon, were, in fact, confused for, in this connection, the union concerned was that of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters' and joiners' Union.

"While this confusion is regretted it is nevertheless understandable in.that both unions are inseparably identified with the timber trade," said Mr. Bardsley. "Council and members were quite unaware that two such unions were in existence, and it is hoped that the position is now abundantly clear. The confusion of iwo separate unions in no way absolves the. Wellington branch of the New Zealand Timber Workers' Union from their indiscriminate, and wholly unwarranted personal attack on our president, to which the council of the chamber and the members have taken such strong exception.**