Mr. Semple Alleges “Whispering” Campaign

Northern Advocate, 8 July 1938, Page 10

Mr. Semple Alleges “Whispering” Campaign

In the course of his speech on the Address-in-Reply last evening, the Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works, proceeded to deal with a whispering campaign which he alleged was being conducted against the Labour Party. He had been accused, he said, of stating that the coming election campaign would be the dirtiest contest in the history of the Dominion, and he had good reason for saying so. He had with him that evening a pile of typewritten propaganda issued by the National Party head office on a pamphlet which he said attempted to couple the British Labour Party, with the Communist Party, but he pointed out that the ■Communist Party in' England had never been associated with the British Labour Party. Mr. Nash Defended Mr. Semple then proceeded to deal with a pamphlet which had been distributed in the constituency of the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Walter Nash, attacking him personally. Mr. S. G, Holland: It has been denied that the National Party has had anything to do with that pamphlet. Mr Semple: “I do not suggest that this pamphlet was issued by the National Party headquarters; in fact, I do not know who issued it.” He went on to point out, however, that there were certain similarities between the pamphlet and others which had been issued by the National Party. Mr. Semple added that he had been told that there were bundles of similar matter to the pamphlets he had indicated ready for release two or three days before the election.

Reverting to the pamphlet attacking the Hon. Nash, Mr. Semple said it was a foul and criminal document written against a man who had led a straightforward, clean life, and had not done harm to anyone. He was glad to be associated with a man of the character of the Minister of Finance. He had never associated with a cleaner man in his life. Attacks had been made on him in. the manner they had becauserhis opponents were afraid of his ability and courage, and were afraid to come out and' meet him like men. Reply to Mr. Holland The member for Christchurch North in the course of his speech said Mr. Semple had defied him to come into his electorate and say anything about Mr. Holland’s political or private career. The Minister said he would go to Mr. Holland’s electorate in his own good time and make any statement he pleased. Referring to Mr. Holland’s political career, Mr. Semple stated that it could be written on the back of a postage stamp with a carpenter’s pencil. He also challenged Mr. Holland to make the accusations now which he had made recently about the purchase of Picot Brothers, and to call now for a commission of inquiry into that purchase. Mr. Holland: We have called for a commission many times.