HIS NATIVE HEATH

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20253, 23 July 1937, Page 6

HIS NATIVE HEATH

Perhaps it is because his foot is on his native heath that Mr Semple is making some fiery speeches. The other day there was a perfervid declaration that ho was a Socialist, and now come statements regarding political persecution and imprisonment and renewed charges against capitalism. Possibly some people enjoy hearing this sort of thing, and if Mr Semple were speaking purely in a personal sense no harm would be done, but he has been officially received as a member of the New Zealand Ministry, and that should impose some limit on his public statements. If a member of an Australian Government were to visit New Zealand and make strong charges against Socialism and Socialists it is not improbable that Mr Semple would have some pointed remarks to make. A few months ago a distinguished visitor, with financial interests in New Zealand, did make some guarded comment on the trend of the financial legislation and more than one member of the Ministry at once retorted with more vehemence than was necessary in the circumstances, and even went so far as to comment on what should be expected from a visitor who had been a guest of the State. In all probability Mr Semple is in exactly the same position in Australia. The usual facilities will have been placed at his disposal, and that being so there is no occasion for comment on class antagonism and charges of political persecution. In any case the Minister, it was stated, went to Australia for a well-earned rest, and it is to be hoped that he will have it.