SOME STRAIGHT QUESTIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 104, 4 May 1935, Page 8

SOME STRAIGHT QUESTIONS

, " (To the Editor.)-Sir,—-There ate,several questions we wish to putl to "Mr. Semple and his party and We seek permission to do this where there can be no. interruptions—'through the Press. "

(1) Referring to a previous Mayor, Mr. Semple said that unpaid rates to the extent of £23,000 had been placed on the'credit side and a small credit balance shown.—ls he suggesting that the present Mayor has done or would do that? ,

(2) The Party Manifesto says: "Mr Semple has a knowledge of the principles of civil engineering and a practical experience in civil engineering." —When did he become an engineer, either civil, mechanical, or eleptrical and/ what is the extent of his engineering experience? , • ' (3) In stating that Wellington is burdened with a "dead weight debt of £3,255,982" and adding "bear this in mind that this debt was incurred by the opponents of Labour," Mr. Semple makes a point.—Why does he not present the true position and give' the value of the assets which stand against that debt?-, ■ ••• (4) In the same speech Mr. Semple referred to the Taranaki Street widening and the settlement with Levy

Bros, on the payment of £51,516 (projects far more costly than the Northland tunnel).—Why did he not tell the actual fact to the electors, that he was present at the council meetings and endorsed both,of these undertakings, and so was as much responsible as the other councillors? (The minutes prove that.)

(5) At the Highways Board meeting, Councillor P. Butler sought to excuse the laxity of attendance of .Councillor C. H. Chapman by saying "he was engaged on other public business." Mr. Semple in the Press has pleaded that he was not present at council meetings because he was touring the country in his Party's interests (he puts it more flowery but that is merely style). —Do not these excuses and explanations prove beyond doubt that no man can hold three jobs and do justice to them all?

(6) In then- paper "The Herald" the Party candidates charge the Harbour Board with "a cheese-paring policy" and with showing much less consideration for the employees than for "stock, cargo, machinery."—Did not the board, before ever these party men were on it, establish a sick and accident fund, a superannuation fund, and do something to help the casuals by a rotary system of employment?

(7) Mr. Semple's candidature for the Mayoralty -was introduced by reference to the Orongorongo tunnel, and his assumed knowledge of engineering. We shall put a few questions on that job; if they are blunt let it be remembered that" Mr. Semple likes that style, particularly towards others. —(1) Who was responsible for the engineering work? (2) How many men were in. Mr. Semple' party? •■ (3) What price did Mr. Semple ask for the job. and what figure did he secure it at? (4) How much of the plant, explosives, and other materials did the City Corporation supply? (5) Did the City Council provide any services? (6) Was a very large supply of explosives used at the end to blast through rapidly? (7) Was the facing work done at the expense of the council or Mr. Semple's party? (8) What were the total number of days and hours worked by the men, and the amount paid to each? (9); Did Mr. Semple receive special payment, and if so how much? (10) Was it not a job for profit, and therefore in principle the same as any other capitalist contract job? (11) As Mr. Semple has always held up the day labour system, did he try to have that job done by day. labour under the city engineer?

Let us in conclusion ask the Labour Party men, why do they always attack the public body they are on, unless they are in ■ control? Why do they impute lack of human feeling in others, just because others differ from their opinion? Why do they pose as having all the knowledge and virtue within their party? Is not such attitude of mind the very essence of dictatorship? We can leave the matter there.—We are, etc., TWO INDEPENDENT RATEPAYERS.