MR WEBB’S SPEECH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 18, 1 November 1940, Page 7

MR WEBB’S SPEECH.

RELATION TO CABINET POLICY. f QUESTION ASKED AT AUCKLAND. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, October 31. “The mooted early liquidation of the capitalist class” was an item on the agenda paper at to-day’s meeting of the. Auckland Chamber of /Commerce. The chairman, (Mr N. B. Spencer) said a lettejr had been forwarded to, the Prime Minister '(the JRt. Hon. P. Fraser) asking whether the statement made by the Hon. P. C. Webb to miners at Denniston was the considered policy of the Cabinet, and if not whether persons were to be stopped from making such statements, which were hampering to the country’s war and patriotic efforts. No reply had yet been received ' from the Prime Minister, . .

Mr Harvey Turner said a definition should be given of capitalist. Was he a person who owned, say, £SO of property ? _ / Mr A. C\ A. Sexton said the farming industry appeared to be ready to attack the Minister for Finance by public agitation and' an advertising campaign. Was the commercial community willing to join in such a movement ?

The chairman: We have been doing our best with Mr Nash. It depends what form the attack takes what measure of support the chamber will give. We are fairly sympathetic, at all events. Mr L. A. Eady said that in the absence of a reply from Mr Fraser it could be taken that the Prime Minister was expressing agreement with his Minister.

The chairman: They do not know what to do, and so are keeping quiet. Mir J. A. C. Allum said the Governmeait’s declared policy was-to set aside any person hampering the country’s Avar effort. The chamber decided to write again to Mr Fraser requesting a reply.