MINISTER UNDER FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20902, 18 June 1931, Page 12

MINISTER UNDER FIRE.

DEMONSTRATION IN CITY.

MR. VEITCH MEETS UNEMPLOYED

GATHERING OUTSIDE HOTEL.

The Minister of Railways, the Hon. W. A. Veitch, was selected yesterday as the target for a demonstration by Auckland unemployed, who marched in procession from St. Matthew's Hall to the Central Hotel, where the Minister was staying. They gathered in front of the hotel and the Minister spoke to them from the front entrance.

Mr. Veitch, who was subjected to many interruptions, told the men that the Government would do everything in its power to relieve distress caused by. unemployment. He also promised to telegraph to the Prime Minister immediately about distress in Auckland. These assurances were met for the most part with derision, and the crowd twice loudly asserted that it had no confidence in the Government.

Tho men, some 120 in number, with a couplo of women, marched from the hall just before noon. Two banners were carried. " Dinners Better Than "Words." Outside the hotel was a squad of a dozen polico. Mr. Veitch, who was groeted with a good deal of noise, said he had agreed to say a few words.

A Voice: A few dinners would be better. '

Mr. Veitch said ho knew the position in Auckland was difficult. "As one who lias been in the ranks of labour I realise what it means to bo out of work," said Mr. Veitch. "I am not going to bluff you, or tell you that the Government is going to do all sorts of wonderful things on your behalf. lam pleased to meet all of you. All New Zealanders are proud of this little country—" This remark was drowned in uproar and cries of "Get down to facts!" and "CM us something constructive!" Mr. Veitcli: Everything that can possibly be done to meet the situation in the city of Auckland will be done. The Minister went on to speak of the Government's purchase of meat for freo distribution. "Every shilling that is available in the Treasury will be used for tile relief' of distress," he said.

Voices: Bunkum! Mr. Veitch: As soon as this interview is over.l will telegraph to the Ministor of Labour and the Minister of Health, who has charge of tho meat supply, and tell them tho position in Auckland. The Government will see what can bo done and will give relief as soon as possible. A Voice: What about rents? What about tho people who are being evicted ?

Tho Minister: I will'see what-can be done.

No Confidence In GoverZraent.

"If wo trust you, you will go on talking till tho cows come home," shouted 0110 man. "Wo aro going to expose you gentlemen." Mr. Veitch: I am willing to bo exposed by anyone who'edn exposo riie. I will discuss the matter with my colleagues in Wellington. I cannot promise >you what they will do in. detail, but the best that can be done to relieve the situation will bo done as speedily as possible.- - '■ ■ ' ■ •• This ■ remark ; drew cat-calls> and derisive shouts, A man near tho front called for a voto of confidence or no-confidence in the Government. "Do you trust the Government at all?" lie asked. . Thero was a united shout of "No!"

Mr. Veitch again promised to tell the Prime Minister that the deputation convinced liim that tho distress in Auckland was a serious matter, requiring urgent measures. A vote of no confidence in tho Government was carried with enthusiasm. A vote of thanks was carried much less decisively.

The procession then reformed and marched up Queen Street.

PROVISION OF £IOO,OOO.

ROSKILL MEMBER'S PROPOSAL

The following telegram was sent to the Primo Minister yesterday by Mr. G. C. Munns, M.P. for Roskill, and senior Gov. ernment Whip:—"Unemployment question so very sorious that immediate action is imperative. I suggest you telegraph every member of Parliament asking their approval of ndvance of £loo,o*oo. On receipt of their answer, suggest you' make that amount available immediately." In a roply received by Mr. Munns last evening tho Prime Minister said the suggestion would bo accorded the earnest consideration of the Cabinet.