MR. SEMPLE'S IDEALS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1936, Page 7

MR. SEMPLE'S IDEALS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I hope Mr. Semple will not be too depressed by your sub-editorial; "Mr. Semple's Ideals," of February 5. Mr. Semple can take heart from the words of Dean Inge: "I've had a lot of troubles all my life that never happened." Under the ever-changing conditions of the world happenings in Australia, especially New South Wales, 25 years ago, can hardly apply to the present situation in New Zealand, and, unlike a case in law, can hardly be taken as a precedent.

In the same issue as your sub-leader Sir Frederick Stewart, Federal Parliamentary Under-Secretary of Re-employ-ment (Australia), answers the principal misgivings in your article. Whereas a quarter of a century ago the human element was the principal factor, as Sir Frederick contends, the mechanisation of industry now takes a prominent place to the benefit of labour. I do not think Mr. Semple will worry himself over the difficulties that the professional mind foresees regarding "fair reward." Confining the -subject to public works, as generally understood, the men are an intelligent class and amenable to reason. Most disputes arise over conditions, and these arise through unforeseen circumstances. If the Minister has the wholehearted support of the country behind him there is no question of being able to stick to his guns. Let us see to it.—l am, WILL. G. TOLLEY.