PARTY FUNDS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 103, 28 October 1932, Page 8

PARTY FUNDS

AUDIT SUGGESTED

"That the funds of political parties should be subject to a special audit by a Supreme Court Judge,, and that they should be sworn to by those responsible as not having been contributed under any secret promise or pledge of special legislation," was an Auckland remit which was given short shrift by the Dominion executive of the Farmers' Union yesterday afternoon. . . The remit was moved by Mr. A. A. Ross (Auckland), who said they would all agree it was a very fine ideal. In many cases money was contributed to party funds because of a genuine, admiration for the polities enunciated, but very often money was given for personal reasons. "I hope we won't carry this, and I deprecate such a remit coming' here at all," said the Dominion president (Mr. W, J. Poison, M.P.). "It is a straightout attempt by. Auckland to get this executive to justify the attack made by their own organisation on members of the present Government."' Mr. Poison then read the statement made by the Hon. E. Masters describing as "mean ' and contemptible" and "worthy of the man who wrote it" an article which appeared in "Fanning First"- on the subject of party funds. Mr. Ross: I would like to say that this remit has no connection at all with "Farming First." It has been discussed several times by the Auckland executive. The remit was rejected by an overwhelming majority.