SHARP WORDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 10

SHARP WORDS.

MANURE WA BOARD. WATER PROBLEM REPORT. TO READ OR NOT TO READ ? Some members of the Manurewa-Town Board last night objected to the reading of a report on the water problem in the district, submitted by a member of the Manurcwa Ratepayers' Association; but some did not. And the discussion which followed produced sharp words between board members, not only over the report, but over the person presenting it, Mr. D. McNaugliton. Mr. McNaugliton said he had been asked to submit additional information regarding the board's water supply scheme and the catchment area in the Papakura-Ardmore district. He wanted to read a report prepared by representative ratepayes.

Strong opposition to the reading' of the report was voiced by Mr. C. E. Gray, member of the board. "He has done enough damage," remarked Mr. Gray, referring to opposition to the board's proposals. "You will be sorry if you don't hear the report," returned Mr. McNaughton. Mr. Gray's rejoinder was to move that the report he not read, and his motion was seconded by Mr. .T. IT. Edwards. Mr. Edwards said Mr. McNaughton and another ratepayer had definitely set out to oppose the Town Board. The motion was lost by two votes to three. Mr. McNaughton then proceeded to read the report. In it lie said that the investigators had inspected the area and had found a dead sheep lying in the stream; they had found a rabbiters' camp with indescribable offal, and two sheep dips. "These matters were considered of such vital importance that, though I should have liked to suppress the information, ?t was thought advisable to put it before the board." Mr. Edwards said fie understood that Mr. McNaughton took the report to the Health Department in Auckland. Officers made an inspection, and the district medical officer afterwards informed him that he was thoroughly satisfied with the position. It was regrettable that Mr. McNaughton had not come to the Town Board ill the first place, said Mr. Gray. The Chairman's Opinion. "I think that Mr. McNaughton has done only what lie considered to be his duty," returned the chairman, Mr. W. J. Ferguson. Mr. Edwards: Everything that the board has planned has been violently attacked by Mr. McNaughton and his friends. I object to outside dictation. He added that the board's financial figures were being given to outsiders. Mr. Ferguson pointed out that the minutes were open to ratepayers. Mr. Edwards: But not financial figures. The chairman then said that th<s matter had been discussed enough, and ruled it out of order. '