MR SEMPLE ANGRY

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20492, 7 May 1938, Page 8

MR SEMPLE ANGRY

CANON’S ALLEGATIONS DEMAND FOR PROOF MADE FIGURES BELIE CHARGES (By Telegraph.—press Association) WELLINGTON. Friday Remarks made by Canon E. A. Gowring, of Bristol, in reply to the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, were discussed bv the Minister in a statement issued this evening. Mr Semple challenged Canon Gowring to prove his charges of extravagance on public works, and said that if the canon could point to any extravagance he would be the first to remedy the matter. "I am sorry I made the statement that the canon had left New Zealand." said Mr Semple. "I was informed on fairly good authority in Christchurch that such was the case. At the same time I am pleased that the canon is here, as I am now in a position to call upon him to prove the charges he made. More Political Freedom ‘‘l have absolutely disproved by official figures his statement that drunkenness is on the increase," added the Minister. “I have also proved with official figures that crime among young people in New Zealand is on the decline. “ His statement in connection with the curtailment of liberty has also been disproved, in that I have shown that the people of New Zealand now have more political freedom than ever before. Public servants have equal rights with the rest of the people and the Maori can now vote in secret instead of in the open and subject to interference by outsiders. Public Works Conditions “ I do not wish to enter into a lengthy newspaper discussion with Canon Gowring, but I challenge him to meet me in public or in private and prove his charges about extravagance on public works and other matters mentioned," said Mr Semple. “ I am prepared, busy as I am, to cancel all my engagements, pay expenses out of my own pocket, and take him to any of the Jobs throughout New Zealand. If he can point to any waste or extravagance, he will be rendering a service to New Zealand, and I will be the first man to acknowledge his wisdom and undertake to remedy the matter. “ After making such charges against the nation and against the Government, no fair-minded gentleman would refuse to prove those charges, and I call upon Canon Gowring, in the name of truth and Justice and common fair play, to accept my challenge or apologise to the people of New Zealand."