MINISTER UNDER FIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 146, 23 June 1931, Page 8

MINISTER UNDER FIRE

DEMONSTRATION IN CITY MR VEITCH MEETS UNEMPLOYED. GATHERING OUTSIDE HOTEL. [ Per Press Association. | AUCKLAND, Juno 18. 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 1 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 m ( its power to relieve distress caused by unemployment. He also promised to telegraph to the Prime Minister immcI diately 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. The men, some 120 in number, with a couple of women, marched from the l hall just before noon. Two banners were carried. “Dinners Better Than Words.’’ > Outside the hotel was a squad of a ■ dozen police. Mr Veitch, who was ; greeted 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 he knew the position ; in Auckland was difficult. “As one I who has been in the ranks of labour I realise what it means to be out of . work,” said Mr Veitch. “I am not goi ing to bluff you, or tell you that the • Government is going to do all sorts of I 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 “Give us something constructive!” Mr Veitch: Everything that can 1 possibly be done to meet tho situation in tho city of Auckland will be done. Tho Minister went on to speak of the Government’s purchase of meat for free distribution. “Every shilling that is available in tho Treasury will be used for the relief of distress,” he said. Voices: Bunkum! Mr Veitch: As soon as this interview is over I will telegraph to the Minister of Labour and tho Minister of Health, who has charge of tho meat supply, and tell them the position in Auckland. The Government will see what can be done and will give relief as soon as possible. A Voice: What about rents? What about the people who are being evicted? The Minister: I will see what can be done. No Confidence in Gove nunent. “If we trust you, you will go on talking till the cows come home,” shouted ono man. “We are going to expose you gentlemen. ’ ’ Mr Veitch: I am willing to be exposed by anyone who can expose me. 1 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 be done as speedily as possible. This remark drew cat-calls and derisive shouts. A man near the front called for a vote of confidence or no-confidence in the Government. “Do you trust the Government at all? he asked. There was a united shout of “No!” Mr Veitch again promised to tell the Prime Minister that the deputation convinced him that the distress in Auckland was a serious matter, requiring urgent measures. A vote of no confidence in the Government was carried with enthusiasm. A vote of thanks was carried much less decisively. The procession then reformed and marchod up Queen Street.