“CHARACTER ASSASSINS”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23502, 17 May 1938, Page 10

“CHARACTER ASSASSINS”

CRITICS OF PUBLIC WORKS MR SEMPLE REPLIES LABOUR POLICY DEFENDED (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 16. The activities of the Public Works Department under the Labour Government were reviewed by the Minister in charge (Mr R. Semple) in an address at Otahuhu to-night. The Orpheus Theatre was filled to overflowing and the loud-speaker system was utilised to enable those outside to hear the Minister replying to the criticism of the expenditure on public works which had been made by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Adam Hamilton). The Minister said the logical effect of the criticism would be to put scarifiers over the highways and transform them into potholes and surfaces that would prevent traffic from moving with reasonable speed. , “ Our policy is to give the maximum degree of efficiency on our highways at a minimum cost of human life,” he continued. In spite of all the criticism, the fact remained that New Zealand was the only country in the world that showed a progressive increase in the number of motor cars on the roads with a steady reduction in the number of fatalities from road accidents. In a tour of the Dominion after assuming office, he found 13,000 backcountry farmers were literally stuck in the mud for want of roads. , His five-year plan was designed to construct 6000 miles of roads for the back-block settlers and, already, 1400 miles had been metalled. At the present rate of progress, he estimated the work would be completed in three years. “ The condition of public works when I took up office resembled a hobo’s dungarees,” he remarked, adding that there had been tinkering without any constructive planning under the former Government. The Opposition had said there was too much being done on public works, that they should be reserved for slump periods. “ That is their philosophy—wait for a slump.” The Minister proceeded trenchantly to criticise the last administration of the public works. “ If I had a political record of that sort,” he continued, “ I should be afraid to meet the taxpayers, far less condemn or criticise any Government for what it is doing.” At the end of h’.s term of office, he would be prepared to place his record of work before any tribunal of competent engineers and abide by its judgment. “ I don’t object to criticism. I can take knocks and hit back, but I haye no time for the character assassin and poison-dropper,” said Mr Semple in referring to allegations made against his administration of the department. “If I cannot get into Parliament by any other way than that, then I’ll be well content to stay outside.” A film showing the methods and machinery employed on public works was screened to a commentary by the Minister. A resolution expressing appreciation of the able administration of the department by the Minister was carried with cheers.