WORDY ENCOUNTER

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 32, 7 February 1936, Page 11

WORDY ENCOUNTER

MINISTER'S ORDEAL. WOMEN HOLD THE FLOOR. UNEMPLOYMENT POLICY. "Stormy weather" would be perhaps the best way to describe what took place at a deputation yesterday afternoon noon to the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Hon. 11. T. Armstrong. In the audience room the Minister was on his feet alternately talking and keeping silent —when he felt that the verbal current was too strong for him. Facing him at the end of a long table were six women, and tlio times when the Minister felt that things were too much for him was when all of them were talking at the same time. Actually the deputation was one from the New Zealand Working Women's Movement, led by Mrs. M. B. Soljak, but when the room was clear again one was not quite certain whether the deputation had simply finished or whether the women had simply 'left the Minister to it. It was an ordinary deputation while Mrs. Soljak was setting out the objects of the visit, because Mr. Armstrong let the speaker say what she wanted. Stormy weather did not break until he was replying to the proposals of the deputation, one of which was that the present women's unemployment committee, the Auckland Unemployed Women's Emergency Committee, should be abandoned because it was seated to j be cllete and thoroughly incapable.

Interjections Start. It was not that the Minister insisted that the committee was perfect ; but he did say that it was well-meaning, and that he and the bulk of the people in New Zealand appreciated what it had done. But the deputation would not have it. They admitted that the Labour party had not had much time to do anything. They admitted their belief that the new Government was trying to help unemployed women. But the old committee, they would not tolerate at any price, "The committee is well-meaning," said Mr. Armstrong. "Well-meaning," echoed Mrs. Soljak; "much harm has been done by people, who are simply well-meaning." The Minister added that it was composed of ladies who were self-sacrificing. Mrs. Soljak: Do not talk of selfsacrifice to us. Other Voices: Self-sacrificing! Ough! Mr. Armstrong repeated that lie much appreciated what it had done. Mr. Slaughter's Presence. Mrs. Martinovicli told him _ that he was about the only one who did, for in very truth the unemployed women and girls in the city did not. And while Mrs. Martinovicli was speaking, three others were saying, "Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Armstrong," and so finally Mrs. Martinovich abandoned the floor. It was about here that the deputation took exception to the presence of Mr. W. Slaughter, representative of the Unemployment Board in Auckland. ' We aro not happy about Mr. Slaughter being here," said Mrs. Summers. Mrs. Soljak: We can't get away from Mr. Slaughter. Everywhere we go Mr. Slaughter is there—except when we want liiiu, and then we can't get into his office. The Minister had been silent for some time, but when five voices took up the tale, he interjected. He held both his arms put, and said: "Here, hold 011." One of the ladies pointed out that the members of the committee were old maids. They wanted married women 011 the committee, mothers who understood the position better than unmarried ladies could. Then Mr. Armstrong replied that there had been a married woman 011 the committee, Mrs. Soljak, but she liacL run away. "What is the good of a woman who runs away ?" he asked. Mrs. Soljak rose and advanced a few steps. "Mr. Armstrong," she said, and explained why she had resigned. Her companions murmured complete endorsement of licr action. A little later Mr. Armstrong smiled. Mrs. Soljak told him that this was 110 laughing matter: Mr. Armstrong thereupon told Mrs. Soljak that, had the committee been composed of women like her, then God help the unemployed women in Auckland. He would not put anyone on the committee who was not in sympathy with unemployed women and girls, as the members of the old committee had been suggested to be. The committee, in an effort to help, was willing to do practically anything he had suggested. Mrs. Soljak: They would. They would; anything but act or think. The .Minister: Tliey would resign if j we liked.

The deputation, as one voice: Wc wish you would like. Mr. Armstrong: We want to reorganise the whole thing with their assistance. Again with one voice: They will never do. ° They will never do. Sympathy of Minister. After that the Minister managed to produce a few connected sentences, in which he told the deputation that he was in sympathy with the position of unemployed women and girls. He would do all lie could. Legislation was being prepared, but he wanted co-operation. The deputation returned to the attack. One member asked why not abolish the old committee. Mrs. Soljak pointed out that they as Labour women, had had the humiliation of seeing the Government for the success of which they had worked, and which they supported, endorse the actions of a body whose members were not Labour supporters at all, and who would put tho present Government out of office if they could. < Mr. Armstrong: That does not make them incapable or bad. Mrs. Soljak: We have shown you that they are incapable. The Minister: I know some others who are more incapable. Mrs. Soljak (on her feet): Where are they 1 A' Voice (behind her): Insult. Insult to us.

Mrs. Soljak (to the Minister): I think that is uncalled for. Another Voice: We did not come here ' to be insulted. The Minister: I have heard here this afternoon nothing but insults, and insults to women who have done their | best. And it was on that note that the i deputation filed out of the room.