COUNCIL VACANCY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 37, 23 November 1937, Page 6

COUNCIL VACANCY

DR. G. I. MILLER APPOINTED. QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE RAISED. VOTING SEVEN TO FOUR. A proposal that the vacancy on the Ashburton Borough Council should be filled at ouce, without waiting for the election next May, was made at the meeting of the Council last evening by Mr E. Buchanan, and the suggestion was adopted, but not till it had created considerable discussion. Mr Buchanan’s nominee was Dr. G. I. Miller, who was appointed ‘by seven votes to four. “I would like to nominate Dr. G. I. Miller for the vacancy on the Council,” said Mr Buchanan, when he broached the subject. “I think he would be a very good man for a seat on the Council.” Mr S. Mitchell: I will second the motion. The Mayor (Mr W. H. Woods): Well, I think you had better first decide if you are going to fill the vacancy. Mr Buchanan: What does the Act say in regard to the filling of such vacancies ? The Mayor replied that if the vacancy occurred within six months ’.f the next election it wa9 not necessary far the Council to appoint a new member, but if it occurred more than six months and under 12 months from the date of the election, the Council had power to appoint a member or to hold a by-election. The Mayor’s Viewpoint). “I feel that we should not make an appointment,” Mr Woods added. “We should allow it to go. It is only a little over five months to the next election, but I don’t mind what you do. It has been the custom in the past to appoint someone who has stood at an election. We have had a by-election this term and Mr Jones stood. He is not here now and it would be senseless appointing him when he will not be here to take the seat. The only other man who has stood was Mr Johnston, who stood at the previous election. But when we are appointing an outsider— I am not saying anything against Dr. Miller—but the other councillors might like to think it over. They have not had time to think of anyone.” Mr Buchanan: Dr. Miller is a man of character and would be very helpful at this table. The Mayor: I am not saying anything against him at all. Mr Buchanan: Well, I think the Cbuncil should fill the vacancy. I suppose it is in order to bring Dr. Miller’s name before the Council? The Mayor: I think you have had the answer. Mr Buchanan: Well, I was just asking, as you seemed to question whether an appointment now was in order. The Mayor: It is hardly worth while filling the position for the short period there is left. I would like to see it all left over till the election. Mr J. T. Pratley: I am in favour of the question being left over till the election, and let the people decide. The "Mayor: There is a motion. Does anyone wish to move an amendment ? I think you should all have the opportunity to mention someone. - A Question of Numbers. M.r J. Shaw: I would like to see it left till the election. It would be a good thing if the Council was reduced in numbers. Mr Mitchell: Yes, by half! The Mayor: There is nothing against Dr. Miller. We are not turning down his nomination. I don’t want that to go out. Mr Shaw: It is not a question of turning down Dr. Miller or anyone else. Mr Mitchell: It looks like it. The Mayor: I don’t want that idea to go out, as it is not so. Would you rather take time to think about it? Mr E. H. Orr: Would Mr Buchanan leave it over for a fortnight? In reply to a question, the Mayor said the Council could vote on the question. It was not an election. There was no penalty for not filling the vacancy. Mr Buchanan: I. am prepared to leave the motion till next meeting. Mr Mitchell: That might be a good idea. The Mayor: Then you will withdraw the motion? Mr Buchanan: No. I will hold it over. The Mayor: Either you withdraw it or we vote on it. Mr Buchanan: All right, I will put it to the meeting. The Council can please itself. A good man might not be available when we are looking round before the election, and a good man on the Council will be an advantage. Mr J. Thompson: There might be others who have a nominee in mind. The motion was put to the meeting, but as the voices were not loud enough to make the position plain, the Mayor declared the vote indecisive by asking for a show of hands, and the motion was then carried by seven votes to four.