CIVIC COMMISSION

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1932, Page 6

CIVIC COMMISSION

TOWN CLERK'S POSITION

WITNESSES' POSSIBLE FEAR

Whether the Town Clerk should continue to sit at the Civic. Commission when members of the city "staff were giving evidence was a point raised last night by Councillor Semple. It had been brought to. his notice that a good deal of evidence of value to the city would be given if the Town Clerk were not, there while it- was given. He was not reflecting in any way on the Town Clerk, but it had been'said that his presence might be a bar to witnesses who would otherwise be inclined to give evidence, fearing that, if they gave evidence in conflict with .any department they might be "earmarked /for destruction.'.' There were other reasons. He wished every member of the council staff to give free .evidence in any direction he thought fit The Mayorr^'The Town Clerk himself expressed no; desire-to be on the commission-. I discussed the matter with : the commissioners, who both" told me that, it, was 'extremely'helpful to them to have him there, but when evidence is beinggiven by any.individual in the employment of the council, the Town Clerk will not be in the room. Another point is that all of the evi.dence will be available to anyone. I quite appreciate your point of view." ■ Councillor Appleton said that there appeared to be an erroneous impression in some quarters that "the1 Town Clerk was a-member of the commission.-He was only its secretary. * Councillor -MeKeen said that there was a strong feeling against the Town Clerk being on the commission-at all He was pleased that h,e would not be there when employees were' giving evidence, because many besides heads of departments would wish, to give evidence. •■ ■

The Mayor said there was noguggestion that the Town Clerk would victimise anyone, yet there might be a fear on the part of a witness •of ■ putting himself on-the wrong'side of the fence; Councillor Burns said a point occurred to him in connection with evidence by the staff. There was always a fear that a member of the staff might suffer, lo give more confidence, he suggested that the names of staff witnesses be omitted from the" report, ithough known to the commissioners only." formally placed on record that, all councillors, employees, or members. oMhe general public should be tree to give evidence in person before the commission. It is requested thaf all desiring to,appear before the commission should notify the chairman of the commission in writing of the matters with which they wish to deal, that the commissioners may notify them of the date on which they'may be heard.