"FIGHTING LION."

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 194, 18 August 1930, Page 7

"FIGHTING LION."

POWER BOARD ATTACKED CHARGE OF STIFLING LETTER BETERENCE TO <«DUMMY" COMMITTEES. QUERY BY AUDITOR-GENERAL. Charges that "dummy committees" had been set up, and that attempts were being made "to stifle information" to which the public was entitled, were made by Mr. W. B. Darlow at this mornings meeting of the Waitemata Electric Power Board.

The accusations arose when the chairman (Mr. G. Trevithick) recommended that a letter from the Auditor-General asking for reasons why the board had set up certain special committees, be taken in committee.

Asked by Mr. Darlow why the letter should be "taken in camera, Mr. Trevithick said he did not know that he should amplify his recommendation. A resolution of the board had been questioned, and the board was asked to reply to the subject. The reason for the board taking the action it did might be justified after discussion in committee. Meantime, he felt the letter was a proper one and should be taken in committee. An Important Document. After complaining that he had been denied access to the letter prior to the meeting, Mr. Darlow asked how were the members to know whether the letter was suitable for discussion in committee if they did not know what it contained? A point of order was raised by Mr. J. Mackie, who pointed out that he was prepared to be guided by the chairman. "Probably this is the most important letter the board has received during my term of office," said Mr. Darlow. "Undoubtedly it is the outcome of the public accusation I made that the board was setting up dummy committees. As a result of those accusations the auditor spent considerable time in the board's office, and what the Audit Department now thinks is of public interest. Why should we stifle that letter, and say the public should never know what it contains ?" When it was suggested that the chairman should put the motion, Mr. Darlow declared himself as determined to assert his rights. "Remember that wolves fight in packs, but lions fight alone " he added to the accompaniment of laughter. Hepressed for the letter to be read in open board.

Taking Mr. Darlow to task for suggesting that dummy committees had been set up, Mr. Trevithick said he must protect the ten other honourable members of the board, the same as he would protect Mr. Darlow if his honour and integrity were attacked.

"Don't stress the 'honourable,'" chimed in Mr. Darlow. "All I can say is that you and the other members of the board don't want the light of day to be thrown on the letter."

Chairman's Firm Attitude. Mr. Trevithick said he could not allowany man to question his motive in protecting the hoard from accusations such as Mr. Darlow had made. It was quite evident from the latter's remarks that there was reason for the letter to be taken in committee. "I am conversant with what is in the letter, and I have no doubt in the least that the board will be able to supply an answer to the Auditor-General which will be satisfactory to him." It was ultimately decided to adopt the chairman's suggestion and take the letter in committee.