Mr Semple’s Charge

Grey River Argus, 12 May 1932, Page 6

Mr Semple’s Charge

“POLITICAL HIGHWAYMEN.” WELLINGTON, May 9. When the clause of the Finance Bill reducing the amount of the National Provident Fund and Friendly Society bonuses was under discussion, Mr B. Semple, at the er.d of a heated speech, said: “In my opinion no other body than a gang of political highwaymen would stoop to do such a thing.” He was called upon to withdraw the expression by the acting-Chairman of Committees (Mr W. A. Bodkin). “I refuse, sir,” said Mr Semple. Mr Bodkin said he would give him another opportunity of withdrawing before he called in Mr Speaker. “I said that in my opinion no other body but a gang of political highwaymen would stoop to do such a thing,” said Mr Semple. “I refuse to withdraw.” Other Labour members here urged him to withdraw. Mr Bodkin said he had no alternative but to leave the chair and call in Mr Speaker. Mr Semple: It’s my deep conviction and I refuse to withdraw. Mr Bodkin then reported to Mt Speaker what had occurred, and quoted the words Mr Semple had used. Mr Semple admitted the use of the words to Mr Speaker, who said the language was glaringly unparliamentary. He would suggest to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) that he move some motion on the point and he would suggest to Mr Semule that he withdraw the words and apologise so that the House could deal more leniently with him. Mr Semple: If Mr Speaker rules the words unparliamentary, I withdraw them. The Prime Minister said that as Mr Semple had withdrawn the words there was no need for a motion. He thought the words were not spoken in heat, and Mr Semple had no doubt used language that appealed to him in expressing his feelings. The matter was then dropped.