Mr Sullivan's Reply To Statements By His Opponent

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 64, 16 November 1949, Page 5

Mr Sullivan's Reply To Statements By His Opponent

At the Beacon Office yesterday Mr W. Sullivan M.P. referred to certain statements made by Mr G. Santon at his recent Whakatane meeting. As Mr Sullivan will be absent from the district for some time he felt he should now reply to '.he 'points raised before he left. “Mr Santon was reported to have stated that the Rehabilitation Committee has had to back the building of houses in this town because of the high cost of building,” Mr Sullivan said. “The candidate should know that the Rehabilitation Department does not build homes. This Department merely approves the loan, the finance and supervision of which is provided by the State Advances Department. That costs have risen considerably is admitted: also, that the increases are general, and such increases are due to the legislative effects of his own Party. My firm has built a number of State houses, and these are all tendered for on a competitive basis. “Also reported, is an indirect suggestion that my firm held up the building of a Post Office at Taneatua. For Mr Santon’s information, I may say that my firm did some alterations on the Post Office building without tender. My firm did tender for the erection of a Postmaster’s residence at Taneatua, but the tender was not accepted. But what have these matters to do with this Election? ,

Satire At Rotorua “With reference to his remarks re my speech at the opening of the Bay of Plenty Broadcasting Station in Rotorua, the humour of my satire was evidently missed with Mr Santon.

\ “The allocatioh of power for Whakatane Sawmillers Ltd. was granted by the Borough Council, and is included in their allocation from the Power Board. Had this not been made, the mill would have been erected in the County, and power for which would have been supplied by the Power Board. “Is the candidate opposed to progress in industry which provides materials and work for our advancement. especially assisting the erection of homes?

“If Mr Santon desires to make any further use of my firm’s business affairs on his political platform, I would advise him first to consult the firm’s secretary, who will supply the correct information.

“In political debates, business is not a matter for discussion. This usually accepted and honoured rule has been bVoken by mv opponent and indicates that he has a paucity of subject matter to offer in support of his candidature.”