"NOT GUILTY"

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 226, 16 October 1940, Page 5

"NOT GUILTY"

- COUNCIL'S PLEA TO BEACON' CHARGE GRATUITOUS ADVICE NOT WELCOMED "I objected strongly to the latter part, to that gratuitous advice. I do not wish to be told by anyone how to conduct meetings." Thus His Worship the Mayor at the monthly meeting of the Borough Council oru Monday evening, and the subject of his utterance was a subleader in Friday's BEACON,, "The Shelter of 'Committee'." The chief complaint of the only other speaker, Cr Sullivan, who introduced the subject under the heading of 'General Business,' was that the local bodies referred to in the article should have been quoted in order to make the Borough Covlncil's very clean sheet much cleaner. Cr Sullivan said lie was sure that the Borough Council could not he accused of using 'Committee privilege,' and in his opinion the local authorities to which reference had been made should have been named. "This council cannot plead guilty," said Councillor Sullivan. "It would not have mattered had we been in committee when Councillor Shapley was speaking (the reference was to that member's strong appeal for an interest in the Domain), because he coukl have been heard out of the room." "Absolutely Out of Place." Only once since he had sat on the council had it retired into committee, said His Worship. That was a long time ago and he forgot the reason or the subject. But any time he thought it right lie woukl not hesitate ta go into committee. The Mayor then made the remarks quoted and added that in his opinion discussion in committee was not satisfactory. Regarding, the reference in the sub-leader to the observance of standing orders and the rules of debate, His.Worship said that an elasticity in the interpretation of those rules made for a better understanding, especially with a well-conduct-ed council like that over which he presided and made, also, for more

result in 'thrashing things out.* The reference, said Mr Barry, was "uncalled for and it was absolutely out of place that local aij/liorities should be told how to conduct meetings." The article concerned was a gentle protest against an ever-growing habit of discussing important subjects, or contentious subjects, 'in committee,' and the 'latter part,' to which reference was made by tiie Mayor, read: "In the interests of all we would appeal to local bodies and other organisations to treat many of the subjects now whisked into committee, in open meeting, and further to give closer observance to standing orders and the rules of debate.'* it may perhaps assure His Worship of some peace of mind to know that the article was not addressed to the Borough Council. Nor did the appeal for a closer observance of standing orders and the rules of debate refer to his control of meetings —which is exemplary. But has the Mayor the right or knowledge to speak for all local authorities?