Inquiry Refused on Murray Charges

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 311, 23 March 1928, Page 8

Inquiry Refused on Murray Charges

INDEFINITE ASSERTIONS The Government has refused to appoint a commission to inquire into the charges of civic waste and extravagance made by Councillor W. H. Murray. The council proposes to press tlie Minister to reconsider his decision. The information, conveyed in a telegrram, was given to the City Council last evening. The telegram was from the assistant Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, and advised that the Minister had decided that there were insufficient definite charges against the administration to justify him in appointing a commission. The Mayor asked if Councillor Murray had anything further to say. Councillor Murray: “Yes.” He asked if there would be an opportunity to discuss the letter explaining the telegram when it arrived. The Mayor said he would deal with the question by moving that on receipt of the letter a copy be forwarded to Councillor Murray, and that he be given seven days in which to reply. On receipt of a reply the council to again urge the Minister to appoint a commission. Councillor J. A. C. Allum seconded, and remarked that he had intended to move to ask the Minister to reconsider his decision even if there was insufficient evidence, in view of the public unrest, and the many inuendos and aspersions that had been cast on people inside and outside the coun-

cil. Even if Cr. Murray could not satisfy the Minister, the Minister should again be urged to appoint an inquiry. Councillor Murray held that there was no question of the council thinking the evidence was insufficient. Every member of the council had approved of a request for an inquiry on the evidence he had produced. He protested against any suggestion that he should pay the costs of any commission. It was absolutely absurd. After Councillor Ellen Melville had supported the Mayor the discussion lapsed, and the motion was carried, Councillor Murray undertaking to reply to the letter.