STRONG WORDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 165, 13 July 1940, Page 11

STRONG WORDS.

BREEZE IN HOUSE.

MR. DOIDGE HITS OUT.

ATTACK ON FRENCH STATESMAN.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. An attack on M. Lejn Blum, former Socialist Prime Minister of France, by Mr. F. W. Doidje (Opposition, Tauranga) precipitated a brief but somewhat violent exchange on the floor of the House yesterday afternoon, and besides drawing a spirited protest from the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, caused the intervention of Mr. Speaker. Mr. Doidge had been talking about the need for leadership, and the lack of inspiration for the people, and referred to the situation that arose between the Minister of Labour,- Mr. Webb, and the miners over the recent State mines coal strike. Mr. Webb,'he pointed out, had strongly condemned the miners for their action, but when they returned to work he had "taken off his hat to them."

"Has the Government no backbone when it comes to dealing with matters like this 2" he asked. "Is there no intestinal fortitude among members of the Government? I know that members of the unions are loyal and industrious, but the control of the unions has been captured by the militant section." Mr. Doidge pointed to the example of France, where Blum, under Socialistrule, made concessions. A Government Member: That is misrepresentatior, of one of the finest men in France.

"Silly Tripe." The Prime Minister: It is absolutely silly tripe. Mr. Doidge: Well, you only have to look at France to-day ——. The Prime Minister: That is stupid, ignorant tripe. You are not fit to tie his shoe laces! Mr. Fraser rose to a point of order, and asked Mr. Speaker whether it was in accord with the dignity and procedure of the House to refer to a man who was unfortunately an exile in a British country. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry: It was a low-down thing. Mr. Speaker asked Mr. Doidge to bear in mind that the circumstances were very delicate and not say anything that might be wrongly interpreted. Mr. Doidge: I accept your ruling, sir, and 1 regret as much as you do Mr. Speaker: Order! Order! Fight for Freedom. Mr. Doidge then turned his attention to Germany, where he said the trade union movement had been destroyed and the workers had lost their rights. "In New Zealand we are fighting for that freedom, and we cannot play our part if ships are held up and coal production delayed," he said. The Prime Minister: Hear, hear! "I am glad to hear the Prime Minister say that," commented, Mr. Doidge, who pointed out that in New Zealand they had had no trouble with the. farmers or the business men.