FILM OF PUBLIC WORKS

Southland Times, Issue 23610, 10 September 1938, Page 8

FILM OF PUBLIC WORKS

USE CONDEMNED BY OPPOSITION ALLEGATION OF POLITICAL PROPAGANDA (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, September 9. The practice of the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) in exhibiting at public meetings a cinematograph film contrasting the old and the new methods on public works was strongly criticized by Opposition members during the consideration of the Public Works Estimates in the House of Representatives today. It was alleged that the film was being used for party propaganda purposes. Referring to an item of £424 for a film, the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) asked whether that was the film which the Minister was showing round the country. Mi- Semple: There are several films. Mr Hamilton said he had not seen the film, but from what he had heard it seemed that it was being used a good deal for political purposes. Mr W. J. Polson (Nat., Stratford): Definitely. Mr Hamilton: I do not know just what is in the film. “It is a question of demonstrating to the public how it is possible to do works that could never have been done without the use of modem machinery,” said Mr Semple. “The film depicts the old and new methods on public works. The people have a right to know why the machinery was bought and whether the expenditure for the purpose is justified. The film was never designed to do any party any harm whatever.” The Minister added that charges had been made against him and he had made up his mind to show the public how he spent public money. The people had a right to know. “The Minister is entitled to defend his honour and reputation,” said Mr Polson, “and those who know him disapprove strongly of the attacks upon him. Surely if he has a film prepared and shows that round the country he is exceeding his rights. He is deliberately making use of public money for the purposes of propaganda. It is in the worst taste to show the picture at all.” Mr W. J. Broadfoot (Nat., Waitomo) referred to “this notorious film.” The Minister of Education (the Hon. P. Fraser): This famous film. Mr Broadfoot: This infamous film. I do not think it is fair that a film of that kind should be paid for by the taxpayers’ money. Mr Fraser: The Opposition can have a loan of it. Mr Broadfoot: We wouldn’t touch it. We play fair,