MR. R. SEMPLE’S “WIT”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 35, 5 November 1928, Page 13

MR. R. SEMPLE’S “WIT”

Sir,—The Labour Socialist candidate for Wellington East (Mr. R. Semple) is seemingly possessed of the idea that he is a wit. At the meeting he addressed in Miramar he made an attack on the “1928 Committee” of business men, saying there were no tram conductors, no navvies, nor any ordinary taxpayers on it. That was greeted with laughter, which only shows what a keen sense of humour some people have. After all, his remark is mere nonsense. He might as well say there are no' doctors, merchants or bankers in the Waterside Workers’ Union.

Surely business people have a right to combine if they choose. This candidate is a peculiar type of unionist. He sees nothing but good in labourers combining, but he evidently objects to business men doing the same. His attack on the “1928 Committee” was neither witty nor sensible. In the first place the committee is not taking any part in election affairs. It is not interfering with Mr. Semple or his party in any way. Its only offence appears to be that its members have dared to unite and make their own representations and that the views are not those of Mr. Semple or his party.

It comes, then, to this, that anybody who differs from Mr. Semple is to be liable to attack. This candidate is certainly looking for trouble. His reference to Mr. Forsyth was more personal than political, but that, we think, he cannot help. It is a way he has. Let us suggest to Mr. Semple that if his temper is in a bad state he can always make gratuitous attacks on the New Zealand Welfare League. It may relieve his feelings and it won’t hurt us. He can use all the small wit he possesses, and if that does not satisfy him he may resort to his most high-sounding epithets; it will be all the same to the league Our advice to this candidate is to try and be a real unionist, a man who cheerfully concedes to others the same right to combine as he exercises himself, and who does not become illnatured because other people have difete, ■Wellington. October 20.