CITY COMMISSION

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 7, 9 January 1932, Page 10

CITY COMMISSION

MAKING INQUIRIES

RUMOURS DENIED

The Civic Commission has commenced inquiries, and during this week has been orientating itself. One of the first departments in regard to which information is being gathered is that of the- City Engineer, but this, of course, has no special significance. The commission had to start somewhere. Humours have gained ground already, several of which were denied at the meeting of the City Council.yesterday afternoon.

Councillor Semple said that the statement had been made to him that a certain number of men were being discharged as the result of the sitting of the commission. It was stated that they had already received notice. If that were so, tho commission was exceeding its duties. .

The Mayor: "It is entirely incorrect. The commission started on Monday, and all the members are doing is to make exhaustive inquiries. They have no power, nor have they expressed an inclination, to dismiss anyone." .. Councillor Seniple: "I do not say by the commission, but by what has followed on the commission's work."

The Mayor: "It is not so. Some of tho departments may havo tightened up, but nothing has arisen since the sitting of tho commission."

Councillor Holm said that it was being frequently mentioned in the city that the commission did not want the assistance ,of the Town Clerk. Was there any truthin that? s

The Mayor: "So far as I know it is entirely untrue. It is the first I have heard of it." t

Councillor W. Duncan: "Is it the intention o£ the council to invite outside witnesses to the commission?"

The Mayor: "Yes, the commission has a free hand, and I am going to suggest that if the members want to call anybody, and anybody wishes to give : evidence before them, it should be so. It should be made quite clear that if anybody wishes to give evidence, whether an employee or not, they will be able to give it without fear.^or favour."

Councillor W. H.-Bennett, referring to what Councillor Sample had said about dismissals, said that the City Enginee?' had been given authority to curtail the staff as he thought necessary when the various loan, works were exhausted. The works being ended, the men's services were no longer wanted.

At the conclusion of the meeting the City Councillors were introduced to the members/ of the commission in the Mayor's room.