THE TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8154, 11 July 1906, Page 2

THE TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

Once more the New Plymouth Borough Council has worried for an hour or so over the legality of its grant of £IOO towards the cost of erecting the New Pljunouth Technical School. On Monday night a budget of correspondence was read, which had passed between the borough solicitor, the Borough Council, and the solicitor to the Municipal Association, of which the Council is a member.

The Mayor sought to avoid another wrangle by moving simply that Mr Samuel's letters be received.

Viewing past circumstances, Cr. Monteith gave his opinion that the Mayor was begging the question. That gentleman had undoubtedly informed the Co mcil that before the grant was made he had had advice from the borough soltcitor. Now it was denied by the latter. Cr. Hutckeu supported Cr. Monteath. The Mayor had certainly made such a statement, and now the solicitor said no such opinion had been given. The Mayor remembered clearly giving a guarantee that if the payment wero found illegal it would not be made,

Cr. Monleath maintained the Council had no right to pass any resolution whose legality was questioned as this had been questioned by Cr, Hutchen, a solicitor. The motion wi3 carried. Cr. Monteath moved to rescind the resolution granting the £IOO towards the cist of erecting the building. The Mayor drew attention to the PremVr's telegram to the Educftion Board, staling that (he grant was legal, counsel's opinion notwithstanding.

Cr. Morteath pointel out that the Auditor-G moral was not subject to the Premier or anyone else. His word was law,

Cr. Wilson agreed that the resolution should be rescinded, as the Council had practically promised to rescind it if the Auditor-General declined to piss the sum in the Council's accounts. " It isn't the technical school that we are helping, but the town that wants a little more 1 tittivating,' " said Cr Monteath.

On the casting vote of the Mayor, it was decided to defer consideration for another meeting, and in meantime the mat'er will be referred to the Minister for Education.