PARTY WITHDRAWAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 271, 15 November 1935, Page 12

PARTY WITHDRAWAL.

POSITION OF MR. T. LAMONT.

STATEMENT BY ORGANISER. Refusal to pay the candidate's election expenses was the reason for Mr. T. Lamout, formerly tho Democrat party candidate for the Roskill seat, severing his connection with the party, according to a statement issued by Mr. H. C. Baulf, Auckland provincial organiser for the party. Mr. Lamont, who is now standing as an Independent for Auckland East, stated last Monday that he had left the Democrat party because it had changed its policy. "When Mr. Lamont was first considering standing in the interests of the Democrat party he undertook to pay the whole of his election expenses," eaid Mr. Baulf. "Later he learned that we were helping certain of the candidates who required assistance, and he then demanded that he be paid £150. He was told that the party would adhere to its original arrangement." There was no change in the position until November 2, when the following letter was received from Mr. Lamont: — "So there may he no misunderstanding I hereby reduce to writing what I eaid to-day and what I agree to: That I be paid, eay, £100. at once and a further £50, making £150, before November 23, 1035, end on the day I am officially declared elected candidate for Roskill I pay you or anyone whom you appoint one hundred and fifty pounds ( £150). "Time ie so short, and misunderstandings having arisen, I think it is advisable either that you pay the money into a trust account at once or give satisfactory security that it will be paid •before the above date. Vouchers for all expenditiire will be produced, so there need Dβ no doubt ae to how money is used. If note ie given to me in' the morning I shall advertise meetings at once and get right on with the work."