Split in the Labour Party?

"When the tumbrils roll down Lambton Quay.
And the power's in the hands of J. Lee."

—Old Song.

Since Labour was so completely victorious in the last General Election, the conservative press, tumble to discredit the Government's policy, has mainly concentrated on hinting at disruption within the party's ranks. Most of the rumours have centred about Hr. J. A. lee, who is credited with a vast ambition and marked as Mr. Savage's fiercest rival. "Salient" decided to interview this sinister personage, and find out as many of his views as possible. Mr. Lee was found to be far different from the sinister, fanatical bogeyman of the conservative press, but rather to be humourous, friendly and distinctly anxious to help, although not exactly informative. But he said. "I have not the slightest doubt that the policy of the labour Party will be most satisfactory to all the people who voted for it."

"Salient" entered the abode of our rulers and, after asking his way two or three times, at last reached the Ministry of Housing. For nearly half an hour an empty corridor was the only subject for an Interview, but at last the portals of Olympus opened and "Salient" was in the presence of the great. The great, however, was so affable and friendly he Inspired no awe but rather a sincere and spontaneous admiration.

At first It was rather difficult to realise that here was the original of those rare but always disagreeable, photographs that one sees in the morning paper.

He seemed kindly disposed towards the University's remarking that he had sometimes debated here years ago.

Asked if the Government was apprehensive of widespread rural insolvency (from "Socialism in New Zealand") he replied that as one member he certainly was dot, and when asked if he was in favour of a guaranteed price for wool, he said. "I should be delighted to see the Government extend its system of guaranteed prices until it had established a commodity basis for farmers."

Still on the land question, he was asked, "Are you in favour of the extension of banking facilities so us to enable farmers to secure their stores and stock on better terms than are at present paid to stock and station agents?" The reply was.

"Yes."

"Salient" then asked him if he considered there was any likelihood of a radical change in the Labour Party's policy after the Easter Conference, but received only the stock answer.

"The policy of the Labour Party for the next three years is that presented to the people of New Zealand at the last General Election."

When asked if he thought that Hitler's latest coup is the logical outcome of Chamberlain's policy of appeasement, he replied.

"Yes: we can appease the dictators until we have surrendered the last man. The last shilling, and the last acre."

Recently there have been circulated from a source unknown, several thousand anonymous typewritten sheets, which are supposed to be copies of a circular sent to the Labour M.P.s by Mr. J. A. Lee at the last Parliamentary caucus. This document consists of a virulent attack on Mr. Nash and all his works, presumably by Mr. Lee.

What a titbit these would be for the great newspapers of this land! It is as though the press were all sitting round a great luscious oyster which they are unable to swallow: for here is a "proof" of all this disruption: but the stupid laws of tills benighted land prevent its publication and subsequent exploitation.

For their appearance can only be explained by the presence of a thief in Mr. Lee's office, or an M.P. who sold the circular to his opponents.

In the case of an M.P. he would have to be produced or else the publisher would acknowledge the theft of the papers (which by the way bear no printer's mark).

So it is the fate of these remarkable compositions to run their course and do perhaps a little damage, but soon to languish for lack of the boost which the miserable law-bound press would so dearly love to give them. For if these papers are what they purport to be, then Mr. Lee has the copyright and even were that forthcoming there is always the consideration that the papers themselves are libellous.

"Salient" is pleased to present the above statement: we have perused the circular carefully, and had our doubts at the time that it was actually written by Mr. Lee. "Salient" is glad to present its readers with the above statement received from an official source, in advance or any mention by the dally papers.

—D.C.