MINISTER’S UTTERANCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24431, 17 October 1940, Page 9

MINISTER’S UTTERANCES

OAMARU BRANCH DISAPPROVES RETORT BY MR SEMPLE A resolution expressing disapproval of recent utterances by the Minister of National Service (Mr R, Semple) was passed by the Oamaru branch of the Labour Party recently There were one or two dissentients. Letters embodying the terms of the resolution were sent to Mr Semple, the Labour Representation Committee, and the Prime Minister (Mr P Fraser). The resolution was:— “ That members of the party view with dismay and disgust some of the recent actions and outrageous utterances of the Minister of National Service. Especially reprehensible is his veiled injunction made in Christchurch at the formation of the Home Guard. While the term 'Fifth Columnist' remains undefined and vague, such incitement to summary and violent action savours too much of the type of admonition a Fascist leader might give to his thugs and storm troopers. This is a new and dangerous development introducing trends completely foreign to our democratic method of dispensing justice. We therefore declare ourselves as having no further confidence in Mr Semple, and call on the Prime Minister to remove him from office.” In his reply by telegram. Mr Semple said:— , , “I am in receipt of and have perused your letter dated 9th instant. As a result am suffering complete nervous breakdown and my medical advisers are sceptical as to whether I shall survive the shock. , In case of my demise, trust you will be benevolent enough to send wreath.”