TROUBLE AT MOTUEKA

Wairarapa Daily Times, 12 September 1936, Page 3

TROUBLE AT MOTUEKA

MINISTER REPLIES. TO UNION CRITICISM. WELLINGTON, Friday. “An explanation has been demanded from me in connection with the action I took regarding the Motueka public works employees, ’ ’ said the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, today, in reply to'severe criticism by the Auckland Carpenters and JoinerS Union. “I am accused of victimising trade union officials,” continued the Minister. “Let me say first I have not done anything'of the kind. It may be advisable for me, in the interest of common truth and justice, to infoim members of the Auckland organisation as to what I have done since taking office for men on public works in this country.” After referring to his action in voting £25,000 as a Christmas bonus, the lifting of the minimum wage on public works to 10s a day, and other concessions granted voluntarily to workers, the Minister said: “I have no apologies to make to the Auckland 01 ganisation or to any other organisation in New Zealand for what I did at Motueka. I am at the moment one of the trustees of tne public purse, and my job is-to see that value is received for money entrusted to my control. It is also my duty to see that all men employed are treated as willing workers should be. treated. I have done tins. The public works agreement is the best agreement of its kind in the world. Having done my duty, I look to the men to play the game with a Government that has played the game with them. ” . Referring to the main grievance at the Motueka aerodrome works the Minister said: “I dismissed no union official at Motueka. A man who was once a branch secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union at Motueka sacked himself. It is not my intention to name him. Out of mercy I withhold details. Let the man himself tell his own record and give the reasons for his dismissal. I am prepared to be judged bv the New Zealand Workers’ Union. Moreover, I am prepared to be judged by all the people of New Zealand. This campaign of hate and slander against myself in particular,” continued the Minister, “has been instituted by the Communist Party, who are, in my opinion, would-be wreckers of the nation and enemies of mankind. I had not intended to have given that party any more publicity, and would have had nothing further to say had it not been for censure reported in the newspapers. This is my final word on the subject. I intend to go ahead with m y job, doing what I believe is in the best interests of the people of this country. lam not going to be sidestepped, bluffed or bludgeoned by any group of people.”—(P.A.)