MR. SEMPLE AND BOLSHEVISM

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1919, Page 2

MR. SEMPLE AND BOLSHEVISM

"TACTICS NOT ACCEPTABLE." A further explanation of his recent [reference to Bolshevism was given byMr R. Semple, M.P., in an address in Christehurch on Sunday evening. He explained that on the previous occasion he had said that if he lived in Russia under the circumstances ex'istiDg he would be a Bolshevist, and be found with Lenin and Trotsky; if he had been in Germany he would be a Spartaeist, and be found with Rosa Luxemburg and Dr. Liebkneeht; and if he had been in Ireland he would be a Sinn Feiner. "But in saying this," continued Mr Semple, "I do not say that- I would adopt such tactics in this country. Circumstances surrounding the puople in Russia, Germany and Ireland may be altogether different from those surrounding those in New Zealand; and, therefore, they would not be acceptable here." The fact that he had been elected to Parliament by the people of this country was convincing that they knew him to be a man desiring to see New Zealand settled on fair, sound lines. Mr Semple added that it was ridiculous to say he, wished bloodshed in this country. Tie labor troubles in New Zealand would be settled in a constitutional way. The people of this country would sofere their- i labor problems peacefully. I