WILL NOT BE A CANDIDATE.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 33, 20 October 1911, Page 8

WILL NOT BE A CANDIDATE.

Questioned by "The Worker" as i>o whether he . intended to contest the Buller seat, Mr. R. Semplo said: "I havo given the question serious consideration and tho more I analyse the position froita the industrial point of view, the more I am convinced that active and strenuous work is necessary in the industrial field. m . "Occupying the position of Dominion organiser N.Z.F.L., I deem it my duty to pay greatest attention to the industrial field. "There is at tho present time a vigorous effort being made by reactionary forces to muddle the true issue, to sidetrack the revolutionary industrial organisation of the working-class. The reactionary forces have been successful in engaging a very clever aaid eloquent gentleman. (W. T. Mills), who is at the present time engaged in a comic opera "unity" campaign. That must be oombatted' by all the forces in the organisation. "For this and numerous other reason®, I contend that my first duty is to the industrial field, and intend during the next three months xising every effort to marshall together those industries which are of vital "importance to modern commerce." Then you will not take part m the political fight? "Yes, I will. But I believe I will be of greater service to those contesting seats pledged to the objective of the N.Z.F.L. as an organiser free to handle the past behaviour of those politicians who pose us friends of lapor, and whom our candidates are opposing. I shall best render aid. My position and convictions at the present time bind mc more to industrial matters, continually building up in the industrial world, and making ready for the political possibilities. .' I believe it would be extremely disastrous to in any way neglect the industrial world, more particularly so- at .present." "Are yoii aware," we asked, "that it is contended by the other side that in contesting seats we have deviated from our former position."

"I know that it has been said by capitalist papers and by the would-be Labor party/ , replied Mr. Semple, "that we have turned a somersault politically. I want to give this an emphatic denial. The Federation never declared itself anti-parliamentary. What has been and is contended is that the marshalling of the workers in the field of industry is the first essential, though at all times paying attention to the political discontent created by the education and agitation carried on in the industrial world, keeping in sight the fact tdiat where discontent is evident political action should be taken to reap the fruits politically which were sown industrially.

"In certain centres this is being done and there we intend to fight to a finish with a view of bi\ilding up in time a revolutionary political party carrying out in Pa-rliament the expressed wishes of the organised industrial and political democracy.

''I think my attitude the correct one under the circumstance's,' , said Semple. "I intend to pay Waihi a visit in support of Hickey's candidature, and expose the sitting member, who is appealing for the votes of the wage-slaves thore. I also intend to §ive "Night" Guinness some trouble tiring his campaign with a view of assisting in P. 0. Webb's return. By pursuing this line of action, I feel I will be of. .far greater use to the organisation both politically and industrially."