COUNTY CHAIRMAN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 16, 26 May 1939, Page 5

COUNTY CHAIRMAN

MR McCULLOCH AGAIN

A DEPUTY CHOSEN

In the absence of the chairman, Cr J. G. Cliff McCulloeh. who is on extended leave of absence. Cr W. McCracken took the chair at the opening of the annual meeting of the Whakatane County Council on Tuesday. Cr McCulloeh was Inter re-elected chairman for the ensuing vear. The chairman's honorarium was fixed at £100 plus travelling expenses as in the past year. The next matter was the election of the chairman. Cr W. MeCracken pioposed Cr McCulloeh. In his absence ;i deputy could be appointed. Cr McCuiloeh's services had fitted him for re-election. Cr .F.J. Burt seconded the motion Doubtful Point Cr J. L. Burnett raised the question of whether it was legally possible to elect anyone as chairman who was not present at the meeting. He quoted a case in Opotiki where the clerk luii! ruled that this could not be done. The clerk read the clause in the act setting out the qualifications, stating that the chairman must be a member of the council and be elected by councillors at the lirst meeting It was decided that the clerk should consuU the board's solicitor. Air Lucas later reported that in the solicitor's opinion the word "present" could not be read in to the clause. Acting Chairman Cr Burnett was elected as actingchairman' in Cr McCuiloeh's absence. ''Does that mean he has to shout every time?"' said one member. There was a roar of laughter. Cr Burnett thanked the council for the honour. It would be a hard job following Cr McCulloch, but he was prepared to do his best. He knew lie could rely on the support of councillors and the loyalty of the staff. The next business was the election of the works and- finance committees. It was resolved that they be constituted as last year. Dates of ordinary and committee meetings were fixed as last year.