“GIVE THEM CREDIT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 402, 10 July 1928, Page 1

“GIVE THEM CREDIT”

PLEA FOR LOCAL BODIES SUSPICION UNWARRANTED MR. T. BLOODWORTH’S BELIEF That Auckland local bodies all have ‘‘clean hands” is the earnest belief of Mr. T. Bloodworth, who has served on several of them. When responding last evening to the toast of “Local Bodies,” at the annual meeting of the Auckland Advertising Club, Mr. Bloodworth said he regarded local body politics as not being second to national politics. “As time goes on,” he said, “local body work will grow more important, and bo more highly thought of. Voluntary associations such as the Advertising Club, should always respect local authorities, and give them credit for trying to do their best under difficult circumstances.” Mr Bloodworth went on to say that in .his experience he had seen nothing in local body administration in Auckland that warranted a belief that things had not been-straight. “T might differ in policy with some of the men,” he said, “but in my association with them I have not seen anything that was not quite right.” “LEAVE IT TO ME” MR. BLOODWORTH ATTACKED TALK OF RED HERRING Accusing Mr. Bloodworth of ‘‘drawing a red herring across the track” by his reply to criticism of local bodies last night, Mr. H. P. Taylor, vicepresident of the City West Ratepayers’ Association, has written to The Sun. ‘‘Mr. Bloodworth is evidently a brother in mental relationship to Mr. J. A. C. Allum for being so satisfied that he and his co-councillors can do no wrong,” says Mr. Taylor. “The inference to be taken of his explanation is that he belongs to the small army of the ‘leave-it-to-me.’ ‘‘lt is only within the last seven or eight years that this spirit of close corporation among councillors has been carried on. Previously, ratepayers had no difficulty in obtaining information about 'affairs that had been placed before open council.” “Mr. Bloodworth was in office when most of the things we complain of occurred and were allowed to continue. He speaks without knowledge of what hr.s already been put before the committee, or if he does speak with knowledge, then he is seeking an excuse for his shortcomings when in office. We are prepared to show him statements which will change his opinion if he is genuine. One Tree Hill has for several years submitted a printed balance-sheet to Its ratepayers, but the City Council discussed its last in committee. “This is the poorest exhibition of mentality ever exhibited by Mr. Bloodworth, and in view of his accepted ability it makes one think that his statement was influenced by the desire to make political or municipal capital by drawing a red her.ring across the scent.”