Coolies for Waihi.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 83, 11 October 1912, Page 3

Coolies for Waihi.

SEMPLE IN ANSWER TO MASSEY

AND RHODES

A CHALLENGE

Mr. R. Semple, organiser to the Federation of Labor, informed the "Post" that the authority for his statement that colored men would be imported to work in the Waihi mines was the Dunedin Star of September 21. Mr. Massey had denied having heard anything of the kind, and Mr. Charles Rhodes described his (Mr. Semple's.) statement as false and farcical. Nevertheless, the statement in the' "Star" was there. The onus of its accuracy lested with the paper and not with him. "That paper voices the capitalist class," Mr. Semple added, "and I have reason to know that it would not make such a statement unless it was supported by fact. As a matter of fact, the "Star" is no friend of tho Federation. Besides, Mr. Rhodes himself has said that the machines can be worked by Kaffirs or Chinese, and even by women. This statement, combined with the rumor, proves to mc that there was such a movement on foot. I am perfectly satisfied that it would be in harmony with the views of shareholders, three parts of whom are in England, ono part in New Zealand. I challenge Mr. Rhodes to meet mc on the public platform, and, 1 will prove to him that Ins attitude has boon farcical. The public shall be the judge. If ho can defeat mo, then I am prepared to close up altogether."