PAYMENT TO BUS COY. COUNCILLORS’ POSITION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 379, 13 June 1928, Page 2

PAYMENT TO BUS COY. COUNCILLORS’ POSITION

DISCUSSION AT NORTHCOTE The Waitemata Bus Company’s having received the sum of £9O from the Northcote Borough Council gave cause; for some discussion at last evening’s meeting of the council, on the eligibility of a councillor. That Councillor Fraser had forfeited his seat was the contention of Councillor A. T. Munns. The whole Question turned on who was manager of the company. The ratepayers of the borough knew Councillor Fraser as the manager, while Councillor Ryan, chairman of the Legal and Finance Committee, was a director. Councillor Munns recorded his protest against the payments. The Mayor stated that before the last election he had interviewed both councillors regarding their position, s.nd was assured that their legal position was correct. The town clerk had also gone into the legal position, and was assured of its validity. If there were any doubts, th€- Auditor-General would have taken action. Several councillors agreeing with the Mayor, the accounts were passed, Cr. Munns dissenting. A brief discussion also occurred following the Mayor’s declaration that certain incorrect statements had been made by a paper published in the district because rate notices had been advertised in the city; the attack on one of the councillors, said the Mayor, was unfair. He had asked the proprietor of the paper for an apology, but this was not forthcoming. He moved that no further advertising be given the paper.

It was finally decided that the editor be asked to correct any misconception arising from the report.