MR J. A. LEE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1940, Page 6

MR J. A. LEE

MAKES A CORRECTION. (Per Press Association —Copyright). WELLINGTON, January 16. “I do not know who supplied the comment which was published with the ! resolution of the National Executive of the New Zealand Labour Party, regarding myself,” said Mr J. A. Lee, . in a statement. “The comment was not submitted to the executive prior to publication. I did not give an assurance to comply in future with the decisions of the national executive ; and the conference of the party. These i I have always complied with. I agreed ; to express regret in the exact terms of the mess: ge • which I have given to the press, and I gave that message willingly.” •. A Lv> }'■:.■£

MR SAVAGE SURPRISED. WELLINGTON, January 16. “It seems as if Mr Lee is beginning to quibble already,” said Mr Savage to-day. “I am not in a position-to say • what promises Mr Lee made to the National Executive, as I was hot present. I am informed, however, that lie did promise to be loyal to the conference anjl National Executive’s decision, and I understand he. claimed that, at tlie same . time, lie had always been loyal to such decisions, but’, if. Mr. Lee has always been loyal to the spirit and letter of the conference and executive decisions, why was it.necessary for the : National Executive to carry a resolution, which has since been published, condemning his action. It is beyond me to understand a member of a party who tries to destroy the selected leader of the party as a political force, and who will go so far as attack that leader during his illness, and who after apologising for his action, commences again to question the report of the position issued on behalf of the National Executive.”