REFORM EXPENDITURE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1927, Page 2

REFORM EXPENDITURE

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEWS.

WELLINGTON, Aug. 4

“If a party does not get financial help from some of its friends it means financial murder to the man responsible for carrying on liis particular side,” declaimed Sir Joseph AVard during discussion in the House tonight on a measure seeking public investigation of party funds. Sir Joseph had no objection, he said, to contributions being made to parties so long as there was no undertaking that something would he done in return. His own party funds were always audited by an independent auditor and his made no payments personally. They were made by a responsible treasurer. He suggested that the gentlemen now in power should dispassionately look at the position into which they had drifted last election, and think where it would land New Zealand if it continued. It was idle to say that the position at last election was fair. Recrimination would not restore the past, but he must say that the electoral law was publicly defied throughout New Zealand at last election. How would any member like to see a special train run from Lytteton to Invercargill to carry a A 1 blister?

A voice: For what purpose? Sir Joseph Ward: To keep me out. The Hon A. D. Al’Lcod: You say defin itev it was done?

Sir Joseph Ward: Yes, unqiiesitonahly and the candidate opposed to me was asked if he approved of it, and lie said he did.

Sir Joseph AVjard said with regret that the electoral law was evaded in spirit by the Government’s large advertisements costing hundreds of pounds and indicatng the list of candidates who should -be supported. A £2OO limit on expenses was fixed to give men of brains, but lacking cash, a chance to assist in the country’s politics. His opponent had the advantage of an advertisement which cost in one day half the total amount a candidate could legitimately spend in the whole election.

Tho Hon O. J. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture, rose to answer the previous speaker. It had always been customary for the Prime Afiuistor of tho country to have a special train at his disposal during a campaign.

Sir Joseph AVard: I never had one. Afr Hawken suggested that the practice was customary in the old d-ys. and there, was something to he said for the Prime Afblister being given the fullest opportunities to place bis policy before the people. Ah- At more: How much did those advertisements cost? Afr Hawken: It would surprise you if you knew how little. I have heard ten times the right amount stated. Afr Holland, Leader of the Opposition: A'ou must have had a heavy discount for cash.