DENIAL MADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 280, 26 November 1938, Page 10

DENIAL MADE.

TRANSFER OF MEN. " DELIBERATE CONCOCTION." MR. ■ROADFOOT CIUTICISKD. (By Tple«crsph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. An allegation that Public Work* employees fr'ere deliberately transferred to electorates for political purposes prior to the general election was strongly denied by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, who challenged anyone tq prove that one such transfer occurred. The Minister described as "a deliberate concoction" the statement reported to have been made by Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, National member for Waitomo, that between 2500 and 3000 men, costing the country £10,00*) weekly, were sent along to visit his electorate by the man who had declared himself the custodian of the national purse. Mr. Semple produced the official return showing that 1183 Public Worka employees were in the Waitoirto district on April Iff, but that the number decreased to 112 ft just prior to the election. These men. said Mr. Semple, were usefully employed giving farmers acces* and the travelling public eafer rondo. "Mr. Broadfoot has 'been one of the most consistent visitor* to my office asking for more roading," said the Minister. "Now, as an excuse for a narrow escape from political disaster, he concocts this allegation. I don't put £10.000 value on his politic* l ! scalp. It would he a tremendous price to pay. Though he does deserve the political wrap heap that come in due course."