HERBERT F. GABITES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2600, 30 June 1923, Page 3

HERBERT F. GABITES.

Dear Sir,—l wish to correct a few mistakes made in the last issue of your paper. (1) You reported me as stating at our Council meeting “that there were only one or two drainage connections made in tlie Main Street.” I did not mention the number of connections made, but stated “that I had been informed a short time ago that there were 19 connections not commenced by property owners in tlie Alain Street.” You also reported me as stating “that Oliakuue lmd been driven bankrupt by its Fire Board Your report in that particular is “absolutely incorrect.” The solvency of the Borough of Oiiakune was never mentioned. At that moment we were discussing the excessive expenditure of Fire Boards and the remark passed referred solely to the Ohakiuie Fire Board. I am also accused of making “misleading statements” in connection with the payment of the Council’s cotribution to the Fire Board. The position is as I stated, that if the Board’s estimates are approved and the money spent the Council cannot pay its quota out of rates struck for that purpose. There will be a debit balance in that account at the end of our financial year. The “Local Bodies- Finance Act” seems to imply clearly: that the Mayor and Councillors may he called upon to make up any deficiency existing on any account at the end of the year. I have yet to learn that the Council’s contribution to Eire Boards is exempt from the provisions of this Act. I notice you quote the “Fire Brigades Act” as coming in conflict with the “Finance Act.” It appears to be a question as to “which Act supersedes?” After all one layman’s opinion on law is as good as the next one, even if thy are both misleading.—l am, Yours faithfully JOHN CHRYSTALL. ■[IT is not unusual for persons, when excited, to get a little confused in their utterances and we are pleased to correct any wrong impressions so conveyed. It is true, however, that the Mayor referred to Ihe Ohakune Fire Board and the insurance companies and not the Ohakune Borough Council. We quoted from the Mayor’s written statement re. Councillors’ liability, which we still maintain is misleading. If the Council underestimates its contribution or levy to the Fire Board in its estimates that does not relieve them from liability for and payment of excess not provided for in their estimates — the Finance Act notwithstanding. For the Fire Board to frame its estimates at the dictation of contributing bodies is not only absurd but would nullify its administration. What provision contributing bodies make to meet levies sno concern of Fire Boards. —Ed. H.]