“BELATED PROTEST"

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20511, 30 May 1938, Page 4

“BELATED PROTEST"

MINISTER’S CHALLENGE STATEMENTS IN DISPUTE VERACITY QUESTIONED (By Telearapn.—Press Association) WANGANUI, Monday The Minister of Public Works, th# Hon. R. Semple, has Issued & challenge to Mr H. G. Jenkins, of Wanganui, to attend the former's meetings at Bulls to-night or Wanganui tomorrow night to prove statements he was reported to have made addressing a publlo meeting In the Interests of the National Party recently or "stand condemned as a coward and a liar.” Mr Jenkins, replying to comments on the delay by the Minister in Issuing the challenge, said: "If tho belated protest is a stunt to boost his travelling film show or put me at a disadvantage the appellation of coward sits comfortably on his shoulders." Mr Jenkins' statements dealt mainly with Mr Semple's visit to Australia and the administration of the Public Works Department. In support he quotes newspaper reports and official figures, adding ."nevertheless if I have done Mr Semple an injustice I shall immediately rectify It and not follow the precedent set by the Prime Minister when he departed from conscious truth concerning the savings bank accounts and when Mr Nash also deliberately left the path of rectituds In his allegations against the literary staff of The Dominion."