THE MURRAY CHARGES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 225, 22 September 1928, Page 8

THE MURRAY CHARGES.

I am relieved to learn that the Special Committee set up by the Auckland City Council to investigate the charges of municipal maladministration has decided to carry on. Such a course is necessary if only to get to the root of the trouble regarding the alleged waste of bitumen in the Grafton Gully. Together with a number of other business men of this city I witnessed the rescuing by the City Council workmen of the last six barrels of bitumen from the bottom of the gully. A winch had been brought into requisition for its recovery and council carts were occupied in its removal. From inquiries I made on the spot several days had already been occupied by the men in the work of rescue. As an explanation of this apparent waste, it is possible that this bitumen was intentionally stored on the edge of the gully by employees of the council and that the spirit of mischief entered into the toes of passing youth, precipitating the bitumen to the bottom of the gully. This may be so, I do not know; it is just a possible explanation, but, I ask, who was responsible for selecting such a spot for the storage of valuable bitumen? Believe me, it was valuable, and surely the responsibility can be sheeted home. Yes, bv all means go on with the inquiry. BUSINESS MAN.