MAYOR COMPLAINS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 12, 15 January 1934, Page 8

MAYOR COMPLAINS.

CHRISTCHURCH "ROW."

CHARGE AGAINST OFFICER. POLICE ON RELIEF JOB. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The Mayor of Christcliurcli, Mr. D. G. Sullivan, M.P., has written to the Minister of Labour directing his attention to statements made by Mr. R. T. Bailev, the officer in charge or the Labour Bureau, in commenting on an address given by the Mayor to Rapaki relief workers. The Mayor alleges gross misrepresentation and libel by Mr. Bailey.

In a statement to the Press yesterday, Mr. Bailey, with reference to the calling of the police to the Rapaki job, said: "I wish to say it is astounding to find the Mayor expressing himself in such a manner" without giving responsible officers of the Public Works Department or the Unemployment Board the opportunity of being heard in their own defence. Surely it is not too much to expect from the chief magistrate of any city fair and impartial treatment, and freedom from criticism on ex parte statements."

The Mayor concludes his letter by suggesting that Mr. Bailey should be transferred. He states: "After reading his explanation I am more than ever convinced that there was no real justification for his importing the police into the dispute with Rapaki workers, as it does not appear there was any breach of the law or threats of violence."