WHO WAS TO BLAME?

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 25, 21 April 1927, Page 7

WHO WAS TO BLAME?

ECHO OF COURT CASE NORTHCOTE DRAINAGE Mr. J. Davidson, formerly works * foreman in the Borough of Northcote, held a meeting last night in the Masonic Hall to explain his position in regard to the drainage compensa- j tion claims. Mr. Osbourne presided, j Mr. Davidson said that at the time of the complaints he was working as borough foreman, and it was his work to attend to the sewer and drainage system of the borough. He had received instructions to sluice the drains every other night, and had done so. It was not through his fault that the council had been sued. In connection with the court hearing, Mr. Davidson said that he received a notice from the Town Clerk to appear as witness for the council. He acceded to their request, and went into the witness box. Shortly after the case, he asked the mayor. Mr. C. A. Deuxberry, whether he (Mr. Davidson) was responsible for the council losing the case, ar.d the mayor said, “Largely, but not wholly.” Shortly afterwards he was given notice. He denied having given a private demonstration of the working jf the sewer plugs, and stated that a qualified engineer had been watching him doing his work at the tanks. That the interest of the ratepayers had been roused was evident by th-* large audience. Mr. Davidson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for explaining the position.