MAN'S DISMISSAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 6

MAN'S DISMISSAL

TREACHERY ALLEGED

MR. SEMPLE OUTSPOKEN

ACTION DEFENDED

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

GREYMOUTH, May. 22,

A vigorous defence of his action in dismissing a man from Public Works at Haast Pass was made by the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple), speaking at the opening of the first section of the Great South Road at Karangarua. Mr. Semple's remarks drew warm applause from a crowd of more than 250, including a Jarge number of men employed, on South Westland Public Works.. . After referring to the present critical position of the British Empire, Mr. Seinpje ..said that in some corners of New Zealand there were; individuals who would bow to Hitler. "Never 'tiro there been'a greater libel on any public man in this country than the lie that I sacked a man at Haast because he expressed his opinion," declared the Minister. "I have spent my lifetime fighting for liberty of speech, and will continue to ido so as long as I live, but there is a world of difference between expressing ,= one's opinion ;and being treacherous to one's own coun- . try. ■•■ .- ■ . "These traitors are not fighting for freedom of speech. They have that already in the, finest country in the whole world, r They are fighting for licence to give them the right to loaf, to wreck and to betray their own country. If there had been a Conservative Government in power in this country these fellows would have been put behind bars long ago. "AGENT OF FOREIGN POWER." "A man I dismissed recently was one about whom I had documents to prove he was the direct ambassador of a foreign Power and that he definitely swore allegiance to that foreign Power arid hatred against the British Commonwealth. Do you think he /aught to be allowed to work on Public Works or anywhere else in this country?" ■ Voices: No! Mr. Semple: If he had been in Germany and had written a document like that he would have -been shot before dawn. If he wrote the same thing against the powers that be in Russia he would be dead before morning. If I discover any more of this treachery I will repeat the dose.. There is no room in this country for traitors, however much room there might be for us to differ. Criticism is helpful eyeff to a Minister, but treachery againstthe nation can't be tolerated in this country. (Applause.) Holland arid Norway had their traitors inside to help the enemy and look where they are now. "There are some of the same sort of individuals here,, too, and if they "are found out I hope they wall be kicked right out of New Zealand. They are living in a country which has the maximum freedom and the highest standard of living in the world. The Government of New Zealand has done more than any other Government in jfthe. world to look after the aged, children,.mothers, cripples, and the working man,; If I knew any country where one got more freedom than here i'would buzz off to it in five minutes, but I don't. , CHALLENGE, IGNORED. ~.. "I, have been drying to find out the rights and wrongs of the world of my day and generation. I don't,know of a better country. If there' are better places, why don't they go : there, anyhow." (Applause.) ; ■-. ■ \'- Mr. Semple made reference to his offer to contribute the cost of the fare to anyone who wanted to go to any of these foreign countries and write documents of hate against them, as they had done against New Zealand in which they lived. ■ , "But they have not taken up my challenge. They know they dare not da it, because they, would be shot without trial. I wish merely to make an explanation, -because most of you men are working for the Public Works Department. No doubt some *of - you: thought I was beginning to develop into a despot and was victimising men. That is, of course, if .you believe what you read in anonymous "correspondence in the daily papers. "I would not be doing my duty to the country if I allowed spies or traitors to write to foreign Powers pledging themselves to those Powers and declaring hate against their own country. ' , , , "Now all of you go and tell that to your mates. (Applause.) The documents to which I /have "referred X .am prepared to produce before any properly constituted tribunal." ' , The Minister was accorded a warm ovation. ■ • /V