MUNICIPAL PICTURES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1182, 9 December 1913, Page 3

MUNICIPAL PICTURES.

COST OF LITIGATION. At last night’s Council meeting a letter was read from Mr J. Robertson, M.P., advising that the clause in the Municipal Corporations Amendment Act giving local bodies power to conduct picture entertainments had passed both Houses., In this Bill power was also given to expend money for the purchase of plant and appliances for the conducting of these entertainments. Mr Robertson congratulated the Council on the energy displayed in this matter and also upon getting the support of so many local bodies in connection with same which, he stated, was in a large measure responsible for the success attained. In connection with the recent litigation in reference to this matter Messrs Morisou and Smith submitted their accounts for defending the case at Palmerston N. and for appearing on behalf ot the Council when evidence was taken before the Statutes Revision Committee of the Legislative Council. The former amounted to £75 10s 7d and the latter to £l7 17s nd, a total of £93 8s 6d. There are other accounts in connection with the same matter so that the total expenses will exceed £IOO. The Mayor said it was very unfortunate that the Council should be put to such a very great expense. They had anticipated that it would be an expensive matter but Councillors considered that in defending the action they were defending their rights. He had no doubt that practically the whole of the ratepayers thoroughly agreed with the action the Council had taken, but it was very unfortunate that a ratepayer should see fit to bring an action of this kind against the Council, the cost of which had to be borne by the whole of the ratepayers. He referred to Mr Robertson’s reference to the zeal displayed by the Council and said there was no doubt that no effort had been spared by the Council in order that the matter should be brought to a successful termination, and they had reason to be pleased with the success achieved. When Mr Morison had been first retained on behalf of the Council be (the Mayor) had asked that he should fix a fee, but Mr Morison had stated that it was very difficult to do so in a matter of the kind, but had stated that his charges would be as reasonable as possible. No doubt the charges made were the owest possible and as the Council won so handsomely the expenditure was fully justified. The accounts were passed for payment.