RIPOSTE IN KIND

Evening Star, Issue 23055, 6 September 1938, Page 2

RIPOSTE IN KIND

RIVER BOARD “ SLANGS ’’ MINISTER “ MACHINERY ON THE BRAIN u (Pm d kited Pbem Assocutiok.] NAPIER, September 5. “ There was neither justification nor need for that. outburst. It was just one of those outbursts we have come to expect from that Minister. It seems to be the thinking in millions has swollen the Minister’s head.” These words were used by Mr W. H. Campbell, a member of the Hawke’s Bay Rivers Board, during a- discussion at a board meeting to-day on the recent remark made at Clive by the Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple) that the board had “ mucked up ” its river protection works. The chairman (Mr Lassen! said he regretted that the Minister had made the statement,, particularly as it was published throughout New Zealand. “It is difficult to understand the Minister’s remarks to Clive residents,” Mr Lassen said. “If he means that the works have been inefficiently carried on, then the board can definitely deny •that charge. T cannot see that the yrorks were ‘ mucked up,’ and I think the Minister’s remarks were uncalled for.” . Mr R. E. Talbot said it had been the Minister who had “mucked up” the board. “ When we have, a Minister coming to the district and upsetting the rate, payers, I think it is time we dug in our heels and, perhaps, used some of the language that he uses sometimes,” Mr H. M. Thompson said. “ Sometimes I wonder if the Minister is responsible for his speeches. Some fellows get water on the brain, but I think the Minister has machinery on the brain. The attack he made was very misleading and most unwarranted.”