WILL MR. MORTON RESIGN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 706, 4 July 1929, Page 1

WILL MR. MORTON RESIGN

Transport Board Puzzle A CHAT BY TELEPHONE ALTHOUGH it is five weeks since Mr. F. S. Morton was reappointed to the Transport Board by the local bodies of No. 3 area in order that he might resign “immediately after May 31 in order to cause an election in the area—on principle,” no move toward vacating his seat has been made by the member.

Mr. Morton had hoped by precipitating an election In his own area to influence Parliament with a view to bringing about an Immediate elective board throughout the whole transport district. He spoke of resignation after his reappointment because he intended then to go to Africa. A fortnight after the reappointment The Sun asked Mr. Morton when he proposed putting into effect his resignation. He said that he was then conferring with the local authorities about his position and had nothing more to say, except that be would shortly hand a statement to the Press. A week later he informed this paper that he was still conferring. This morning—several persons In the meantime having asked what was the member’s Intention— The Sun inquired of the Onehunga Borough Council, the Mount Roskill Road Board and the Ellerslie Town Board what was the

basis of Mr. Morton’s negotiations or conferences with them. The clerks in each instance were mystified and had heard nothing officially or unofficially from Mr. Morton since his reappointment. Mr. Morton was then communicated with. “Have you anything yet to tell ratepayers concerning your resignation?” he was asked. “I have nothing to say, except that I will hand a statement to the Press in due course.” “Are you still conferring with the local bodies?” “I have nothing to say to you.” “Are we then to draw our own inferences?” “You can take the risk.” “What risk do you mean ?” But the rest was silence.