LABOUR CRITICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 93, 20 April 1932, Page 9

LABOUR CRITICS.

"GIVING ONE SIDE." ■fIR. FORBES SPEAKS OUV PURPOSE OF THE BILL. NOT TO STIFLE OPPOSITION. WELLINGTON, this day. A lively scene occurred in the House this morning when the Prime Mininster, in replying to the second reading debate on the Public Safety Conservation Hill, accused Labour members of making inflammatory speeches, unfairly stating the position of the Government and blaming it for the countrv's economic ills. Insisting that the shopkeepers who had suffered damage to their premises in Auckland were worthy of protection, Mr. Forbes said the Government would afford protection to the citizens of Xew Zealand. Surely Mr. Parry (Labour, Auck land Central) did not stand for what had occurred in Auckland. Mr. Parry: I don't stand for your starvation. Mr. Forbes: I don't think any member of the Labour party stands for allowing members of the criminal class to have freedom to do what was done in Auckland. Mr. Forbes emphasised that it would be unwise to allow large congregations of people to listen to inflammatory speeches. It was only looking for trouble. Mr. R. Semplc (Labour, Wellington East): Can you point to one inflammatory speech delivered by a Labour member at a public meeting? Mr. Forbes: Nearly all the speeches delivered have been of an inflammatory character. Mr. C. L. Carr (Labour, Timaru): Not one. Mr. Semple: That is quite unfair. Mr. Fraser: I suppose anything criticising the Government is inflammatory. "To Misrepresent Government."

Mr. Forbes said the Government dill not object to reasonable criticism, but lie resented the belittling of the Government's efforts and the statement by Labour speakers of only one side of the case. They not only opposed all the Government's legislation, but set themselves out to misrepresent the Government to the country. Mr. W. Nash (Labour, Hutt) : Do you propose to stop Labour party meetings? Mr. Forbes: No, but the provisions will be brought into operation in any case where those in touch with the circumstances consider the safety of the public is endangered. If the Labour party has any regard for the safety of the citizens of New Zealand it should be amongst, the first to say, "Now is the time to deal with the situation." Mr. Scmple: Do you think it fair to suggest we are making inflammatory speeches? Mr. Forbes: No. Where speeches are made with the intention of stirring up resentment against the Government, and only one side is stated, I say they are inflammatory. Mr. Semple: The only way to stop me is to put me in gaol. That's all. Referring to the resolution passed at the Easter conference of the Labour party, dealing with the organisation of the " workers by demonstration, Mr. Forbes said: "You had your demonstration in Auckland, when the windows were broken." Mr; W. E. Barnard (Labour, Napier) : It was not our demonstration, and you know it. Mr. Coatee: You led it. Interjections by Mr. Semple were checked by Mr. Speaker, with a warning that he would be compelled to name the member if he presisted. Mr. Frascr: You will name the lot, sir. " Speeches Stirred Up Trouble." Mr. Forbes said those responsible for the demonstration must take the responsibility for what had occurred. "I should say," he said, "replying to statements that the Government was to blame for the riot, that it is just as fair to say those who_.- have had their premises damaged should send the bill in to the Labour party." Mr. Barnard: That is unfair and unwarranted. Mr. Forbes: The speeches made in the House have stirred up trouble, and those responsible for stirring it up should pay for it.

"That's a cowardly statement to make," interjected Mr. Semple.

M. Speaker: Order! Mr. Semple repeated his interjection. Mr. Speaker asked for the withdrawal of the word "cowardly," and Mr. Semple complied, adding, "I don't alter my opinion, all the same." Mr. Speaker said he wished to make allowance for members' feelings. Mr. Semple: When we arc accused of smashing windows we ought to say something. Mr. Forbes: We were told it was the Government's fault, and when I say it is the Labour party's responsibility then I am told it is a cowardly thing to do. One who gives blows should be willing to accept them. He contended that a state of disorder could be produced by suggestion. He quoted public utterances by Labour members and asked whether they could not be interpreted as being inflammatory. Labour Members: No.

Mr. Forbes asserted that at a time like the present Opposition members should quote fairly what was being done by the Government. Mr. Carr: That is your job. Temperate Speeches Allowable.

Mr. Forbes said he could not understand why there was any objection to the bill at all. Mr. Semple: Your interpretation suggests you will stop us from speaking unless we endorse your policy. "I will not do that," said Mr. Forbes. Mr. Holland: You certainly won't. Mr. Forbes said it was not right to make political capital out of the misery of the people. Labour speakers who followed declared the object of the Government was to stifle Labour criticism, but Mr. Forbes replied that no attempt would be made to stop Labour speeches so long as they did not advocate violence. He did not think the rights of the Opposition to criticise should be curtailed. No attempt would be made to stop Labour party meetings held to pass resolutions calling upon the Government to resign. Mr. Holland said no Government would stop him from holding political meetings. Mr. Forbes: You will not be prevented, so long as you don't advocate violence. Mr. Holland said that although Mr. Forbes had said he would not interfere with Labour party meetings, he did not eay he would not stifle other meetings..