Mr Beetham to run —in his spare time

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 8

Mr Beetham to run —in his spare time

PA Wellington The former Democratic Party leader, Mr Bruce Beetham, yesterday said that he would contest the Rangitikei seat at the next election — but could only do so in his spare time. Financial support to allow him to campaign parttime had not been forthcoming from the party and he had been forced to find full-time work, he said. He now intended to teach part-time and would also be involved in business activities, which he would not specify. Mr Beetham , lost his paid leadership of the party last month when he was replaced by the member of Parliament for Pakuranga, Mr Neil Morrison. b He later accused Mr

Morrison of departing from Social Credit’s ultimate monetary policy — the payment of a national dividend — and indicated he might form his own political party. But after a week he said he had decided to stay in the Democratic Party in the interests of unity. He said then he had doubts about whether he would be able to continue as the party’s Rangitikei candidate because he had to find full-time work which might involve moving from the district. Mr Beetham said that although his best job prospects were outside Rangitikei he had put together an "occupational package” which would enable him to stay in Marton.

But the party hierarchy had not offered financial support on even a parttime basis and he had been forced to continue campaigning in his spare time. He believed those party members would face some hard questioning from grassroots supporters, as it meant one of the party’s best election prospects was put at risk. However, he would give his candidacy his “best shot” and said that with the prospect of favourable boundary changes he still expected to regain the seat. • He also intends continuing his interest in local body affairs. He has been returned to the Wanganui Area Health Board and is a candidate for the Marton Borough Council.