NOT UNEXPECTED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 December 1939, Page 6

NOT UNEXPECTED

STATEMENT BY MR LEE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “I write as I please, but obviously honesty is not the most profitable policy,” said Mr Lee in a statement last night. "However, I shall be able to hang up a sack instead of a stocking for Christmas.

“I have little to say at the moment. It was obvious that, with members of the Cabinet engaged in a campaign throughout New Zealand for autocratic control of the Labour Party, and with myself engaged in a campaign for democratic control, there must be disharmony. In the circumstances I expected my resignation from the Under-Se-cretaryship to be asked for. I replied to the request saying, as it were, that I preferred to be sunk to scuttling the ship. “I am proud I have been associated with the creation of a house-building scheme with debt-free money. I shall have more time and freedom to devote to campaigns for the complete initiation of Labour’s banking and finance policy and for the avoidance of crushing war debts. 1 have had only my title and a few emoluments taken away, and a little more time given to mmy tongue and pen and energy to fight for Labour’s ideals. “I may also be able to help defeat conscription, which I intend to fight by helping to recruit to destroy Hitler. That is, of course, if I am permitted. “The Labour Government in New Zealand has a great record, and if it does not falter it will go on to greater things. Meanwhile, in regard to the control of the Labour Party and control of finance I shall go on committing the crime of espousing democracy, even if the fight for democracy and Socialist banking endangers my political life. I regret my differences with my colleagues, but some differences have a habit of estranging folk who had for one another respect and affection. “The sea and salt water of Auckland beaches' during January and February will be pleasant if I am fortunate enough to procure a house. May I wish Cabinet the compliments of the season, and remind New Zealand that Wellington’s Exhibition is worth a visit. I trust the Press of New Zealand will be kind enough to publish this statement in full.”