RESIGNATION CRITICISED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 742, 15 August 1929, Page 16

RESIGNATION CRITICISED

CR. A. M. SEAMAN LEAVES TAKAPUNA COUNCIL “SHOULD FIGHT ON” “We all recognise Cr. Seaman’s abilities, but I do not agree that a councillor who is defeated on a vote should put ratepayers to the expense of £6O for an election. I have been beaten myself, probably 100 times, and I am still going strong.” was the statement of Cr. J. Guiniven at last evening s meeting of the Takapuna Borough Council, in reference to the resignation of Cr. A. M. Seaman following his disagreement with the council on its decision to employ £2,000 of next year’s allocations for the completion of its unemployment relief scheme. In a communication covering his resignation, Cr. Seaman said the council’s action had been to appropriate a sum of £2,000 in anticipation of next year’s revenue. As it was impossible at this stage to forecast the revenue and the necessary expenditure of next year, this decision meant simply that a raid was being made on future income without a proper appreciation of the demands that might normally have to be made upon that income. This policy was so unsound financially that he could not in any way be a party to it.

The mere protest of recording his vote against the resolution was not sufficient to dissociate himself in the minds of the ratepayers from the financial difficulties which he feared would arise from the decision. The only effective course open, therefore, was to withdraw from the administration of the affairs of the borough. In moving that the resignation be received and the thanks of ratepayers be conveyed to Cr. Seaman, the Mayor, Mr. J. W. Williamson, said the council would be decidedly tbe poorer for loss of the councillor. Cr. J. W. Hayden expressed regret that a decision of the council should have caused Cr. Seaman to resign. If a man is defeated his strength lies in staying to fight it out,” said Cr. A. Wilkie. “If we ail took Cr. Seaman’s attitude we would be out every month. I do not think he should have any commendation for his action.” Mayor: There is no commendation about it, we are merely expressing our thanks. Cr. J. F. Colegrove thought some of the members did not realise the position Mr. Seaman was in. It would hardly be compatible for him to sit on a council which made a move which was contrary to his views as an accountant. Cr. Guiniven: That is too farfetched. Someone has got to be beaten here or we shall have no meeting at all. The resignation was received.