SCENE IN HOUSE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1932, Page 3

SCENE IN HOUSE

INFLAMMATORY SPEECHES'

CRITICISED.

WELLINGTON, April 20

A lively scene occurred in the House of ’Representatives this morning, when ■ Mr Forbes, replying to the second reading debate on the Public Safety Conservation Bill, accused' Labour members of making inflammatory speeches, unfairly stating the position of the Government and blaming it for the country’s economic ills. Insisting that shopkeepers who had suffered damages to their premises in Auckland were ' worthy of protection, Mr Forbes said that the Government I j would afford protection to tlie citizens I lof New Zealand. Surely Mr W. 'E. Parry (Auckland Central) did "hot stand for what had occurred in Auckland ? Mr Parry: I don’t stand for your starvation. Air Forbes : “I don’t think any member of the Labour Party stands for allowing members of the criminal class to have freedom to do what done iii Auckland.” Mr Forbes emphasised that it would he unwise to allow large congregations of people to listen to inflammatory speeches. It was only looking for trouble. Mr 11. Semple (Labour, Wellington East): Can you point to one inflammatory speech delivered by a Labour member at a public meeting?

INFLAMMATORY SPEECHES. Air Forbes: Nearly all the speeches delivered have been of an inflammatory character. Air Clyde Carr (Labour, Timanu: Not one. “That is- quite unfair,” retorted Air Semple to Mr Forbes. Mr P. Fraser (Labour, Wellington Central) : I suppose anything criticising the Government is inflammatory. Air Forbes said that the Government did not object to reasonable criticism, hut lie resented the belittling of the Government’s efforts and the statement by Labour speakers of only one side of the ea.se. They not only opposed all the Government’s legislation, but set themselves out to. misrepresent the Government to. the country. ' Mr AY. Nash (Labour, Hutt) : Do you propose to stop, the Labour Party meetings?

Air Forbes: No, but the provisions will he brought into operation in any case where those in touch with the circumstances). consider the safety of the public is endangered. If the Labour Party has any regard for the safety of the citizens of New Zealand it should he amongst the first to say, “Now is the time to deal with the. 'situation.”

Mr Semple: Do you think it fair to suggest that we are making inflammatory speeches? Mr Forbes: No. Where speeches are made, with the intention of stirring up resentment against the,; Government, and only one side is stated, I say they arc inflammatory. '

Mr Semple: The only way to stop me is to put me in gaol; that’s all. Referring to a resolution passed at the Easter conference of the Labour Party, dealing with the organisation of workers by demonstration, Mr Forbes said: “You had you demonstration in Auckland, when windows were broken

, Mr W. E. Barnard (Labour, Napier) : Tt was not our demonstration, , and you know it. Mr Coates: You led it. MR SPEAKER INTERVENES. Interjections by Mr Semple were checked by Mr Speaker with a warning that he would be compelled to name the member if lie persisted. Mr Fraser : You will name the lot, sir. Mr Forbes said that those responsible for the demonstration must la tee, the responsibility for what had occurred. “1 should say,” he. said, replying to statements that the Government was to blame for the riot, “that it is just as fair to say that those who have had their damaged should '.send the bill in to the Labour Party.” Mr Barnard: That is unfair and unwarm i deck Mr Forbes: The .speeches made m the House have stirred up trouble, and those responsible for stirring it up should pay for it. ‘ (, l hat’s a cowardly statement to make,” interjected Mr Semple. Mr Speaker: Order! Mr Semple repeated the interjection. Mr Speaker asked for the withdrawn] of the world “cowardlv.” Mr Semple complied, adding £ ‘T don’t alter iny opinion all the same.” Mr Speaker said he wished to make allowance for members’ feelings, Mr Semple: When wo are accused of smashing windows we ought to say something. SUGGESTING DISORDER. ~ Mr Forbes: We are told it .fUo Government Vs fault, and when I ,s,ay it is the Labour, Party’s responsibility then f ant told it is „ cowardly thing to do. One who gives blows pltonld he willing to accept them. Contending that a stale of disorder could he produced by suggestion, Mr Forbes <1 noted public utterances by I,about’ I members and asked whether they eould ! no| lie interpreted as being intlninma lory. Labour members: Xo. Mr Holland said ilia! no Government would stop him from holding a ponton! meeting. Mr Forbes; You will not lie prevented so long a.s you don’t advocate violence. Mr Holland said that although Mr Forbes had said lie would not interfere with the Labour Party meetings he did not siy lie would nn| sfd/Ie other meetings.