“IN COMMITTEE.”

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 253, 6 September 1928, Page 4

“IN COMMITTEE.”

MINISTER’S REQUEST. Caustic Comment. At the monthly meeting of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce a letter was received from Mr. Hockly enclosing a reply from the Hon. Mr. McLeod to representations which had been made to him by the member for the district on behalf of the chamber.

In his concluding paragraph the Minister requested that the contents of the letter be “ considered in committee for obvious reasons.” The “ obvious reasons ” were not apparent to any member present, and though the request was naturally complied with by the chamber, on the motion of Messrs. Simpson and Davis, it was decided to note the chamber’s regret at the request, and also its belief that the utmost publicity was essential in the interests of the district.

In a lengthy discussion which followed the view was unanimously held that the Minister of Lands had failed to appreciate what the chamber was fighting for, and that his letter was moulded on lines and contained statements and arguments which were contrary to fact through official obtuseness in Wellington the very point the chamber complained about.

A pointed but courteous reply was drawn up and the chamber decided to forward a copy of same to the Prime Minister, and to reserve the right to publish its letter should it deem necessary in the interests of settlers.