MEMBERS TO CARRY ON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 194, 17 August 1932, Page 8

MEMBERS TO CARRY ON.

MATAKAOA COUNTY COUNCIL. TO SUE FOB UNPAID BATES. SUGGESTION FOE PREFERENCE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) GISBORNE, this day. After reconsidering proposals submitted by the Minister of Internal Affaire, the Hon. A. Hamilton, and conferring with Mr. K. S. Williams, member for the district, members of the Matakaoa County Council have decided to continue in office in the meantime. The Minister strongly urged the council to endeavour to collect' outstanding rates, and also suggested that in meeting its liabilities the council should give first

preference to overseas debenture holders and then pay the interest owing on the overdraft to the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Williams questioned the desirability of giving preference to London creditors and the bank, and pointed out that a large sum was owing to the Waiapu Hospital Board, which urgently needed money. It was explained that one reason why councillors contemplated resigning was their belief that the Public Works Department would thus be forced to maintain county roads, but Mr. Williams pointed out that there was no assurance that the Department would do anything. ' ■ • Another difficulty referred to was the fact that most of the councillors were themselves defaulters, and that in pressing for rates they would be in an anomalous position. On the other hand, if defaulting members resigned the council would be left without a quorum.

In the circumstances members of the council decided to carry on as best they could and sue for the recovery of rates*