"SEALED RESIGNATIONS."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 293, 11 December 1929, Page 8

"SEALED RESIGNATIONS."

LABOUR PARLIAMENTARIANS

A STATEMENT WITHDRAWN.

A. statement made by Mr. Harold F. Johhston,"tbe Reform candidate for Hutt, during the course of the campaign, that Labour candidates' who are elected to Parliament hand over to the Labour Council a sealed envelope containing their resignations, which are to take effect in the ..event of their not' adhering strictly to their'party's' policy, was retracted by Mr'. Johnston 'at a meeting on Monday.

Mr. Johnston said that since, making that statement he hadbeen communicated with by Mr. P. Fraser,' M.P., who had informed him that it was incorrect, and that ho (Mr. Johnston) had. Mr. Fraser's personal assurance on the matter. .On that, Mr. Johnston said he' was quite satisfied to withdraw, the representation. It was perfectly true that Mr. Fraser was right in suggesting to him that if he were assured any representation had been wrongly made by him, he would immediately withdraw it. He had to thank Mr. Fraser and leaders of the Labour party associated with that gentleman both on the manner and method and the confidence displayed iii him by saying that he would withdraw any incorrect statement he made. "I therefore wish to withdraw that statement unreservedly," said Mr. Johnston.' He was quite satisfied that no letter was given by members of the Labour party who became members of Parliament containing, in effect, their resignation. "I unreservedly accept the assurance of Mr. Fraser in this respect, and withdraw any comments I made," added Mr. Johnston. He said he understood ,thc Labour members entered into some sort of pledge, but as he was not absolutely satisfied as to its nature he made no comment or suggestion in case he might be mistaken. . '...✓■