Attack ‘way off beam’

Press, 14 April 1984, Page 2

Attack ‘way off beam’

PA Wellington The Employers’ Federation’s president, Mr Garry Tait, yesterday defended his executive director against an “off beam” broadside

from the labour leader, Mr Lange. Mr Tait said Mr Lange should “check his facts before attacking a servant of the employers’ organisation in the public arena.” On Thursday, Mr Lange lashed out at comments from the federation’s executive director, Mr J. W. Rowe, saying they were unacceptable, counter-productive and provocative. Mr Rowe had suggested at the federation’s conference that penalty payments on wages be abolished, and taxes on corporate profits reduced, to improve employment opportunities. Mr Lange said that traditionally the Employers’ Federation had been basically non-partisan, but under the leadership of Mr Rowe there was “totally unbalanced partisan posturing which does the federation’s cause no good at all.” Mr Tait said yesterday that Mr Lange’s attack was “way off beam.” He said Mr Lange’s state-

ment that Mr Rowe had directed the federation towards the Right was confusing. “The Employers’ Federation represents employers and is not involved with individual political parties. “Mr Rowe is not a member of any political party and Mr Lange should check his facts before attacking a servant of the employers organisation in the public arena.”