“SNUBS” AND MR SEMPLE.

Evening Star, Issue 22575, 17 February 1937, Page 10

“SNUBS” AND MR SEMPLE.

It was hardly to bo expected that the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) would complete a tour of even moderate duration without giving vent to one of those verbal explosions for which ho is becoming notorious. Such outbursts from him have occurred in a good many parts of the Dominion. Invercargill was the seen© of the latest. On the occasion of his visit to the southern electorates the apparently hyper-sensitive Minister expressed with customary directness of speech his disappointment over the fact that both Mr Adam Hamilton (Leader of the Opposition) and Mr J. Hdrgest were absentees when matters affecting their constituencies were being discussed. “ I regard it as a snub,” said Mr Semple, when receiving a deputation from the residents of the Awarua electorate which was not led by the member. “It is the first time I have had an experience of this kind when my itinerary was arranged.” Of course, the whole bother has turned out to be much ado about nothing. Mr Hamilton’s explanation is logical, convincing, and characteristically statesmanlike. His main answer —and it will suffice—is that Mr Semple changed his itinerary after the first intimation of his intentions, and after he (Mr Hamilton) had left Invercargill. At the outset Mr Semple announced that he would not be visiting Mr Hamilton’s Wallace electorate, and the member forthwith made arrangements for deputations from his constituency to wait on the Minister in Invercargill. When it is considered that Mr Hamilton, as leader of the National Party, is just as busy a man as Mr Semple it would appear that nothing more in accord with political etiquette than that could be done. In Mr Hargest the Minister has encountered one who shares his own objection to dictation. “ If, or when, I have to accept dictation from Mr Semple I will leave Parliament,” declared Mr Hargest. “Mr Semple’s outburst is nothing more or less than typical Semple propaganda.” The member for Awarua scorns the idea that he intended to snub the Minister, and explains quite effectively that as far back as November the date of the quarterly meeting of the executive of the National Party, at which he was expected to be present, was fixed. When he found out that this date clashed with Mr Semple’s southern visit he made detailed arrangements for deputations to be received, and he submitted his views on each matter brought up. Mr Semple was informed of the reasons for Mr Hargest’s absence, and it should be obvious to the most casual follower of politics that these should have been accepted without question. Since being appointed to Cabinet rank the Minister of Public Works and Transport has accomplished a good deal of work worthy of commendation. For the sake of his party, as well as of himself, it is a pity that the grievances, whether real or imaginary, which most men feel at times should be ventilated with a force that borders on vituperation. If the Minister continues thus the electors —even those who favour Labour—will cease to treat his remarks seriously. He may then be in a position to enjoy the doubtful luxury of a self-made grievance that is real and tangible. However, it seems that the most levelheaded of men occasionally make the mistake of saying too much. Which fact furnishes Mr Semple with the glimmer of an excuse. Speaking at Martinborough, Mr Hamilton declared that if New Zealand did not let its democratic system work it would have either Fascism or Communism, and, personally, he thought it would be Communism. Even if a Labour Party which is Socialistic is in power at the moment there is little ground for Mr Hamilton’s dire prophecy. Whatever else happens in New Zealand democracy will not fail. The Labour Party has rejected all Communistic overtures for affiliation, and, in the words of Mr Semple himself, realises that the British system of Government will have to be protected and upheld,