“GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE”

Evening Star, Issue 23689, 24 September 1940, Page 12

“GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE”

DEPLORED BY MAYOR ALLEGED OVER-RIDING OF CITY COUNCIL DECISION Emphasis that Mr F. T. M. Kisscll (Controller of Electricity) had not decided to override the City Council as alleged in the statement made in Dunedin that “ a Government official had intimated bis determination to override tiie decisions of those municipal authorities and power boards that have decided that all the nicmhers'_ of their staffs shall participate in the increased payments,” was given by Cr D. C. Cameron at the meeting last night. “ It lias not happened as far as Dunedin is concerned,” ho said, while the mavor (Air A. H. Allen) stated that he thought there was tar too much interference bv Government deputies—not Air Kisscll in particular, but by the “ policy of the Government in interfering'with our business.” Cr Cameron explained that a request had been received for the supply by the council of the increases * n AJ' a S c ? up to a certain figure—over £3OO and under £4oo—and this had been supplied. But ho did not think that Mr Kisscll would override the council. “ Shortly after the outbreak of war the council was asked to supply the advances of pay on salaries exceeding a certain sum,” said the Mayor. I have to admire the attitude adopted by the mayor of Wellington (Mr Hislon) in tills direction. I think thcio is too much interference by Government deputies—not particularly Air Kisscll, but the general policy of the Government in interfering with our business. “ No public industry in New Zealand has been a greater success than \Vaiuori Win-, then, should we he restricted by Government regulations as to what we should pay our employees. “ I am pleased to see that the Mayor of Wellington took the stand lie did. continued Air Allen. “ I hope wo shall follow it.” ~,,,, Cr J. M'Crae pointed out that Air Kisscll had asked for the salaries so as to form a basis for making standard in his capacity as Controller of Electricity. He thought the mayor had I been mistaken in his assumption. “ Wo have not been interfered with, and are not likely to be,” said Air J. W. Alnuro. “ We know best how to manage our own business.” replied the Mayor. “ When Air Kisscll asks for technical co-operation wc will give it to the best of our ability, but as far as our own manager is concerned, we should take a stand.” When Cr Cameron was about to discuss the matter further, Mr Allen ruled that no discussion could he permitted without a motion. As this was not forthcoming, the matter lapsed.