FEELING AROUSED

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 269, 10 August 1938, Page 12

FEELING AROUSED

Viewpoint Of Independent FURTHER SPEAKERS “I have never said a word—good, bad or indifferent —anout Mr. Scrimgeour,” said Mr. R. A. Wright (Independent, Wellington Suburbs), “but [ feel i cannot allow this debate to go by without expressing an opinion. This broadcast has aroused a good deal of feeling throughout New Zealand, and if anything will lose the Government thousands of votes that will.” Mr. A. S. Richards (Government. Roskill) : And wouldn’t you be glad? Mr. Wright: No, I would not, because I would not like to see the hon. gentleman lose his seat on a side issue like that.

Mr. Carr had said there were times when strong language was called for, Mr. Wright, adde, but. Mr. Scrimgeour was in a position where he should express himself in language that could not be condemned by the average citizen. He had not done that, however, and it would be in lhe very best interests of those opposed to the Government if the resignation were not accepted. “When I heard the Prime Minister state that .Mr. Scrimgeour had tendered his resignation I thought that would conclude the discussion,” said Mr. W. A. Bodkip (Opposition, Central Otago), “'but he intimated that there was some doubt whether or not the resignation would be accepted. It must be clear to the Prime Minister that the gentleman is not fit to occupy the position he is holding, so why should he consider not accepting his resignation? Perhaps, as is inferred by the Minister of Railways, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Mr. Scrimgeour may advocate social justice and render tlie Government the same measure of assistance as he did on the last occasion.” “Doing Good Work.” Mr. A. S. Richards (Government, Roskill) said that long before he took up broadcasting Mr. Scrimgeour was doing good work teaching the people the fundamental cause of-many of their economic ills. The Opposition had not forgotten that, and would really like to see him bounded out of New Zealand. Their idea of economic justice was “ten bob a week and a slave camp.” “I sincerely hope,” said Mr. Richards, “that, this gentleman will go on spreading his ideas of social justice. There is nothing in the language he used that would shock anybody. He used language no stronger than is to lie found in the Old/or New Testament .” Mr. D. W. Coleman (Government, Gisborne) : Not as strong. Mr. Richards: In any case I wonder were the remarks as strong as the Opposition would have us believe? If they were so horrified why didn’t they turn the little knob? Mr. S. G. Smith (Opposition, New Plymouth): I wish we could turn the knob now. x Mr. Richards: The lion, gentleman hasn’t long to wait. The people of New Plymouth will soon turn him round. Disturbing Feature. Mr. K. J. Holyoake (Opposition, Motueka) said that the most disturbing feature of the debate had been that the Prime Minister bad defended the .Controller of Commercial Broadcasting as a friend, and not as Minister In Charge of the department. The Postmaster-General, Hon. F. Jones, had, in spite of many requests, refused to say a word, though he was actually in charge of the department as Acting-Minister. The Opposition motion was moved with a desire to clear up an unsavoury situation, Mr. Holyoake said. The Opposition had had the idea that Mr. Scrimgeour’s resignation was in, but all the same the Opposition had a duty to do in making the question public. The Prime Minister could easily have avoided the debate by making the public statement that he was gsked to make by the newspapers on Monday. It was claimed, said, Mr. Holyoake, that Mr. Scrimgeour had acted under provocation, but a year ago the Opposition pointed out in the House that he was not a fit and proper person to lie in charge of the Commercial Broadcasting Service. “We knew that he was completely uncontrollable,” said Mr. Holyoake* “We had a right and a duty to warn the Government. His re. siguation has justified the attitude we took up then. “It is also suggested that he has been subjected to innuendo recently, but at a conference about a month ago the Prime Minister told broadcasting officials that he was not going to have politics over the air. Surely this is an admission that the Prime Minister knew we were right? At the last general election a red herring was drawn across the trail in connection with certain actions of this person. The Prime Minister should announce at once what his intentions are in regard to the resignation lie lias received. The situation may be held up and used before this election as it was before the last.” The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage: That is a good idea. “In justice to himself and his party the Prime Minister should make the position dear.’’ said Mr. Holyoake. “The situation is the fault of the Government and nobody else. The Go; vernment knew Mr. Scrimgeour’s history, it. had warnings from all sides, even from the poor old I’ress, it went ahead and appointed him. The blame lies absolutely and entirely ou the shoulders of the Government.”

LABOUR FOR FARMS

Effort To Solve Problem The efforts of. the Government to find a solution of the farm labour problem were mentioned by the Minister of Agriculture. Hon. W. Lee Martin, during the Financial Debate in Hie House of Representatives yesterday. Long -before the present Government came into office there was a definite shortage of farm labour, said the Minister. For many years there had been a steady drift away from the land, not only in New Zealand but in practically every other country in the world. It wouid be better if members of the Opposition were to put forward some constructive suggestion with a view to finding a solution of the problem instead of blaming the Government for the situation. The Government had endeavoured to meet the position, and had sought the co-operation of the community. He realised that the position was serious, but he thought it could be said the present Government was the first 'that had undertaken a comprehensive survey in regard to the problem. An earnest endeavour had been made to do something for those on the laud.