Bob Semple.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 50, 23 February 1912, Page 6

Bob Semple.

To Visit Australia.

IMPORTANT MISSION.

Robert Semple, Federation Organiser, accompanied by Mrs. Semple, is dv« to leave Now Zealand this week on a visit to Australia for a wcll-eanic-d rest.

Since the inception of the Federation, Semple has worked hard and ably for its success. Gifted wtili a strong constitution, he has been able to expend such energy and vitality on behalf of the movement as is really staggering. But no man, no matter how strongly constituted, could stand the terrilic pace Semple set himself, the result being that _f is not taking his trip a moment too soon. It is hoped that as a result of a visit to his_ native land Semple will return to New Zealand refreshed and replenished with tho vitality to continue his good work. Whilst in Australia, the organiser has been instructed to approach the Coal-miners' and Watersiders' Federations, with the view of bringing about a working understanding, so that in the event of an industrial war on either side of the fish pond, anything in the nature of organised scabbery will be impossible. This is a vtji'y necessary step, and one that is bounil to meet the heartiest co-operation from our mates in Australia.

It is quite true that already the coalminers of both sides have stood ready to block coal supplies. At the time of the medical examination, the Australian coal-miners agreed to refrain from hewing coal destined for New Zealand; the New Zealand miners took up the same attitude at the time of the N.S.W. coal-miners' strike. An official understanding between the various bodies, however, will be much more effective.

To the Australian Industrialists and Socialists we commend New Zealand's foremost working-class agitator and his good wife. Unskilled in the slimy art of diplomacy, Semple talks to and reaches the New Zealand proletariat in the language they understand. Amongst tho rank and file of New Zealand's toilers tl}o name of Bob Semple looms large as the fearless champion of their causo. It goes without saying that wherever a group of Australian revolutionists exist, a warm welcome will be extended our comrade.

feel sure that we are expressing tlie opinion of thousands of New Zealand's common folk when we express to Mr. and Mrs. Semple our sincere hope that their visit to Australia will result in not only increased health and strength to tliem both, but that as a result of our comrade's efforts, coupled with those of our Australian brothers, the bonds of unity between Australia's and Now Zealand's wageslaves will be drawn much closer lhan they aro at the present time.