A WITHDRAWAL

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 140, 10 December 1929, Page 13

A WITHDRAWAL

MR. JOHNSTON AND LABOUR

NO SEALED RESIGNATIONS

A statement made by Mr. Harold F. Johnston, the Beform candidate, during the course of the campaign, that Labour candidates who are elected to Parliament hand over to the Labour Covjncil a sealed envelope containing their resignations, which are to take effect in the event of their not adhering strictly to their party's policy, was Tetracted by Mr. Johnston when speaking at Koro Koro last night. Mr. Johnston said that since making that statement he had been communicated with by Mr. P. Fraser, M.P., who had,.informed him that it was 'incorrect, and that ho (Mr. Johnston) had Mr. leaser's personal assurance on the matter.' On that, Mr. Johnston said he "was quite satisfied to withdraw the representation. It was perfectly t^pe that Mr. Fraser was right in suggesting to him, that if he wero assured any representation had been wrongly made by him, he would immediately withdraw it. He had to thank Mr. Fraser and leaders of the Labour Party associated with that gentleman, both on the manner and method and the confidence displayed in him by saying that he would withdraw any incorrect statement he made. "I therefore wish to withdraw that statement unreservedly," said Mr. Johnston. He was quite satisfied that no letter was given by members of the Labour Party who became members of Parliament containing, in effect, their resignation. "I unreservedly accept-the assurance of Mr. Fraser in this respect, and withdraw any comments I made," added Mr. Johnston. He said he understood the Labour members entered into some sort of pledge, but as he was not absolutely satisfied as to its nature he made no comment or suggestion in case lie might be mistaken.