Lee Appointment As Under-Secretary Revoked

Northern Advocate, 22 December 1939, Page 6

Lee Appointment As Under-Secretary Revoked

“His Writings Incompatible With Trust”

—NASH Honesty not Profitable Lee Replies

f Per Press Association. Copyright.} ' WELLINGTON, This Day. ' r fHE APPOINTMENT OF MR. J. A. LEE, LABOUR M.P. FOR GREY LYNN, AS PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SEORETARY, IS REVOKED BY A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN A SUPPLEMENTARY GAZETTE ISSUED LAST NIGHT.

The formal notice read

“’liis Excellency the Governor-General has been pleased, in terms of Hie Civil List Amendment Act, .1036, to*revoke the appointment of John Alexander Lee. Esq., of Auckland, member of the House of Representatives, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary, in relation to the office of the Minister for Finance.”

The notice, which is dated yesterday, is signed by the Minister for Finance (Mr. Nash).

Statement by Nash

I After the issue of the notice revoking Mr Lee’s appointment, a statement jvas made by Mr Nash. He said it was associated with Mr I Lee’s writings, which conveyed impressions incompatible with the mutual trust and loyalty essential be- | tween those who worked in close cooperation. The Government had therefore unanimously asked His Excellency to revoke the appointment. “I can only regret,” added Mr Nash, “the circumstances which have made this action necessary.” “I Write As I Please” Mr Lee, in a statement last night, said: “I write as I please, but obviously honesty is not the most profitable policy. “However, I shall be able to hang up a sack instead of a stocking for Christmas. “I have little to say at the moment. “It was obvious that kith members of the Cabinet engaged in a campaign throughout New Zealand for autocratic control of the Labour Party, and with myself engaged in a campaign for democratic control, there must be disharmony. “Under the circumstances, I expected my resignation from the UnderSecretaryship to be asked for. “Preferred to be Sunk” “I replied to the request, saying, as it were, that I preferred to be sunk to scuttling the ship.

“I am proud that I have been associated with the creation of the house-building scheme with debt-free money. “I shall have more time and freedom to devote to campaigns for „the complete initiation of Labour’s banking and finance policy, and for avoidance of crushing war debts.

“I have had only my title and a few emoluments taken away, and a little more time given to my tongue and pen and energy to fight for Labour’s ideals.

Will Fight Conscription

“I may also be able to help defeat conscription, which I intend to fight by helping to recruit to destroy Hitler.

“That is, of course, if I am permitted.

“The Labour Government in New Zealand has a great record, and if it does not falter it will go on to greater things. “Meanwhile, in regard to control of the Labour Party' and control of finance, I shall go on committing the crime of espousing Democracy, even if the fight for Democracy and Socialist banking endangers my political life.

“I regret my differences with my colleagues, but some differences have a habit of estranging folk who had for one another respect and affection. “Compliments of Season”

“The sea and salt water of Auckland beaches during Januai’y and February will be pleasant, if I am fortunate enough to procure a house. “May I wish the Cabinet the compliments of the season,” Mr Lee concluded, “and remind New Zealand that Wellington’s Exhibition is worth a visit.

“I trust the Press of New Zealand will be kind enough to publish this statement in full.”