OPOTIKI COUNCIL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 593, 26 July 1933, Page 6

OPOTIKI COUNCIL

F. J.

SHORT.

Sir, — As it has been brought to my notice that some of the members of the Opotiki Borough Council are under the impression that I have purposely obstructed them in the carrying out of their proposals, which in their opinion would make for the better and more economical working of the borough, I would ask the favour of space in your paper to explarn briefly my attitude over the position that has been brought about. So far each proposal or notice of motion referring to dismissals and reductions in salaries and wages has apparently been irregular or out of order with the exception of the motion brougnt forward by Councillor Anderson and seconded by myself, the matters contained in which the council resolved to deal with at a special meeting for that special purpose on July 4. Now, sir, I would point out that a.t this special meeting Cr. Anderson did not attemp.t to deal with the subject for which we had heen ealled together, but attempted to move a distinctly different proposal, which was subsequently ruled out of order, thereby preventing me from supporting him in reviewing the position, salai'ies and wages, as I had hoped to do. I therefore took the first opportunity of tabling a notice of motion in this direction myself. From past experience as a mayor and a councillor I x'ealised that any proposal which is irx'egular or illegal, if passed by council, cannot stand and would inevitably lead to trouble and possibly expense whicb would ha.ve to he borne by the ratepayers. I felt that I had no option but to point this out to the council and so safeguard the ratepayers' interests. Now, sir, I trust that your readers will realise from this that, instead of obstructing the business of council, I was endeavouring to facilitate matters toward s bringing about a businesslike investigation of borough affairs before launcbing out with drastic or rash proposals. I am, etc.

Opotiki, July 24.