MOTUEKA DISPUTE

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1936, Page 5

MOTUEKA DISPUTE

MR. K. J. HOLYOAKE Criticises Mr. Semple IN MOTUEKA ELECTORATE. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 21. “One has heard of the Alotueka dispute,” said Air. K. J. Holyoake, AI.P. for Alotueka, in an address to-night. “It seems that there has been a lot of misunderstanding about it. Il is to me. a matter of the right of free speech, which Hon. R. Semple, among others, has always fought for in the past. I notice that workers have be. n rathe.’ incensed by what, has occurred, and I agree with those unions which have passed resolutions against Air. Semple. He has put himself offside. There were 180 men working on the aerodrome, from which resolutions came. That they are a good type of man is shown by the raet that they were earning from 19s to 24s per day. Some of them are my own relatives, and they are all jolly' good chaps. There was nothing obnoxious or wrong in their resolutions, which were only an expression of their opinions. Resolutions were sent to their secretary, and then I don’t know li.v, to Air. Semple. Air. Semple went to ' n newspapers and he referred to the Communists who were right onside, of tin’ natter, just to find a whipping horse. !f Air. Semple has done no more than lie’t) to pass such a resolution in his life, then he would not have mucli to answer for, would he?” WELLINGTON, September 21.

“The action adopted by Air Semple in connection with the Alotueka Lublin Works dispute was (hat of a statesman of high standing,” says a circular issued by the New Zea'and Wuikers’ l'nion. The cireu'ar, which is signed by the president and secre tary. adds: “Air Semple told (he mischief makers he would not tolerate their dirty work in his department and he was (Siite right. The Union and ninety-nine per cent, of the mem bership endorse the manly attitude h f ’ adopted. The Workers’ Union ig determined to work in harmony with the Labour Government and the Alin ist er'of Public Works.”