SHARP REPLY

Southland Times, Issue 22896, 22 May 1936, Page 6

SHARP REPLY

MINISTER OBJECTS TO A REMARK DRAINAGE BOARD AND A LOAN

(United Press Association.) Wellington, May 21. The remark of a member of the Makerua Drainage Board concerning a promise made by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, that he would provide a subsidy for work on flood damage restoration led to the Minister making some scathing comments when replying to a deputation from the board. The remark the Minister took exception to was contained in a report of the meeting of the board which stated that Mr W. J. Ross, when referring to a communication from the Minister on flood protection work, had said: “That means that it is neatly shelved.”

The chairman of the board, Mr H Seifert, said the board wanted the Government to help it to raise a loan. It had gone to the limit with rating and about £4OOO was required for work to be done.

Mr Semple referred to the reported remarks of Mr Ross. “What he said was definitely insulting to me,” the Minister said. “I have never shelved anything in my life and I am not going to start now'. I have pledged the Government to a three to one subsidy—the most liberal subsidy ever given to a local body in New Zealand. I made the promise that the Government would advance the money at a low rate of interest and that promise still stands. Who is this Mr Ross?” Mr Neilsen (the engineer): A member of the board. Mr Semple said that Mr Ross should have been there. It was the board’s job to see the Hon, W. Nash or the Treasury and arrange for the money. “Have you gone to Mr Nash or the Treasury?” he asked. Mr Neilsen: No.

Mr Semple said that if the board thought that he could be bluffed a mistake was being made. He had dealt liberally with the board, and he wanted the board to deal liberally with him. Mr Seifert said he did not remember Mr Ross making the remark reported and if it had been made it was the view of Mr Ross only. They were not aware that they had to go to the Treasury for money. Mr Semple: I’ve nothing to do with the Treasury. Your job is to go to the Treasury and get the money. Mr Seifert: We weren’t aware of it. Mr Semple: Well, why didn’t you come to me in a decent way? Mr Seifert said that only one member of the committee was responsible for the remark.

Mr Semple: It was your place as chairman of the board to put him in his place. Mr Seifert: I don’t remember hearing it. The board relied on the Minister’s promise and knew that it would be kept if the position were cleared up. Mr Semple advised the deputation to see Mr Nash and make arrangements for the loan it required.