Reform Party's Fighting Funds

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 85, 1 July 1927, Page 16

Reform Party's Fighting Funds

A BANTERING DEFENCE ‘SOB-STUFF’ AND ‘HOT-STUFF’ (THE SUN’S Parliamentary Reporter.') WELLINGTON, Thursday. In reference to party funds, which had been mentioned earlier in the day, Mr. G. W. Forbes, Leader of the National Party, said in the House that the Government laid itself open to the charge that it accepted donations to the Reform Party funds from outside interests. Mr. D. Jones, Ellesmere: Do you suggest that it was obtained wrongly? Mr. Forbes: I merely say that the public is asking the question, “Where are these funds coming from?” Mr, Jones: You are asking the question. Mr. Forbes read a statement by the secretary of the New Zealand Alliance Mr. J. A. Young s&id that the speaker was not reading sufficient and was causing misrepresentation. Mr. Forbes suggested the election of a committee to go into the whole question and see how far a party or Government could assist candidates from party funds. INQUIRY SUGGESTED “Candidates must have money to fight their elections,” Mr. Fobes said, “and We don’t want them to become tied tip to any outside financial interests, hut we like them to come here with open minds on questions which are to be discussed here. If a commitee were set up it would meet with the approval of the whole House.” The Government had a vigorous champion in the Hon. R. A. Wright, Minister of Education, who spoke after the tea adjournment, and attacked the Labour Party in a bantering way. The statements against the Reform Party were a serious implication, he said, Mr. Holland having suggested a compact with the brewers and Mr. Forbes inferring an agreement with merchants in connection with the last election. This was practically an inference that the Government was finder the thumb of the brewers on the one hand, and the merchants oh the otl*er. “Now,” went on Mr. Wright, “let us have a look at all this sob stuff.” Mr. D. G. Sullivan, Avon: That is not sob stuff; it is hard stuff. Mr. J. Mason, Napier: No, it’s hot stuff. BREWERS’ MONEY Mr. Wright: Not that any brewer would put any money on me at any rate, (daughter). Look at our Ministry. Although they are not painted in such big letters as I am on this question, they are not those who are likely to receive the support of the brewers of New Zealand. “In the face of this, these statements.” continued Mr. Wright, “cannot be correct. If the Government were under the thumb of the brewers the personnel of the Cabinet would have reflected it. So that little bubble has burst. Neither can I see any of my colleagues who are likely to be supported by the merchants or I ? ny particular industry. What about | the Labour Party? l see advertise-

ments showing that it was raising £30,000. Where did this come from? Mr. J. A. Lee, Auckland East: Look at our balance-sheet. Mr. W right: As far as I know they might have got it in their own party. (Labour Hear. Hears!”) but it is not British to make statements without evidence. If you have evidence let us have it. Mr. Sullivan: Why do you not publish your balance-sheet? Mr. Wright: Why should we? There may be people who do not want their names to be mentioned. Mr. Holland: 'Hear, hear!” Mr. Wright (quickly): I know people | who are supposed to be supporters of ! the Labour Party who quietly give us a contribution. (Laughter!. They do ! not want their names mentioned. j