CHAIRMAN ON THE MAT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 921, 14 March 1930, Page 8

CHAIRMAN ON THE MAT

• GOT GOOD WHIPPING BUT DESERVED IT” •PLAINS COUNCIL MEETING From Our Own Comispondeiit XGATEA, Today. .An unusual case of a County Council having to cane one of its members, took place on Thursday when the chairman of the Hauraki Plains County Council, Cr. C. W. Harris, was severely criticised for failing to carryout the instructions of the council. The matter arose through Cr. J. Motion asking the position in regard to the Miranda Road metalling, a subject which has been before the council on numerous occasions in the past few years. Cr. Harris was asked if be had conferred with the ratepayers concerned on the question of a road loan as he had been instructed by the council on numerous occasions. In reply he said that it would be of no ‘use as they would not hear of a road loan.

This view was disputed by Crs. Hale and Madgwick, who said that the settlers they had talked to were favourably disposed toward a loan

proposal. Something should be done, and at least the position should be placed before the ratepayers. Cr. Harris suggested ear-marking a portion of the general rate collected from the Miranda Road settlers to pay f or the metalling. “Ear-marking," being a favourite suggestion of Ct. Harris, the term was greeted with laughter.

Cr. Hale said that the suggestion amounted to charging the work to tie

Waitakaruru Riding, all the other sections of which were carryingspecial rates for their roads. Anyhow he doubted whether the riding account could, ever stand this cost, 'iar there were many “ea--marks.” Members opposed paying for the work out of the County Fund, which had been brought to a satisfactory state, so that the general rates could be reduced in the event of farmers experiencing a bad year. Cr. C. W. Harris said that if the county fund would carry the cost of the work he would commit his riding to pay all the interest on any bank overdraft which might be incurred. Crs. expressed doubt -whether this ■would be legal. Cr. Madgwick said that the Waitakaruru Riding would face the position squarely and raise its rates. It was always in difficulties and a burden on the rest of the county. Cr. Harris: My offer to “ear-mark” rates is a genuine one.

Cr. Madgwick said that the council had heard of these ear-marks for many years, but. they were nothing more than wind. The Waitakaruru Riding was in a worse state than any other riding, and it was only because the chairman had not tackled the position.

Cr. Hale severely criticised the chairman for not having conferred with his ratepayers as the council had instructed him on several occasions. Cr. Me Duff suggested that the Miranda Riding question be deferred until the chairman had conferred with his ratepayers and reported to the council.

A Voice: Oh, no. We have passed that resolution before. It would be deferred for ever. Make the motion that the meeting must be held before next council meeting. Cr. Harris said that, he would call a meeting. He would meet the Miranda Road settlers alone, but if the meeting was to be a general one of ratepayers of the whole riding, he thought the whole council should attend. It was pointed out by Cr. Farfltt that the ratepayers proposed calling a general meeting in the very near future to consider a successor to Cr. Harris. Cr. Hale insisted that Cr. Harris confer with the engineer and clerk and prepare a proposal to put before the ratepayers. Cr. Harris said that he would confer as suggested, and advise all councillors of the scheme which was to be put before the meeting of ratepayers. The meeting would be held before the next council meeting. A Councillor: Well, we have given you a good whipping, but you hare deserved it.