COUNCIL'S CONCERN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 139, 15 June 1939, Page 12

COUNCIL'S CONCERN.

"LEAKAGES V TO PRESS.

SUBCOMMITTEE SET ' ' v 'It. ... Concerned at unauthorised "leakages of information" to the newspapers, the Auckland City Council decided at a special meeting to-day to set up a subcommittee to discuss the matter and consider what policy should be adopted iu the future in regard to the release of reports and other statements to the Press.

The question was raised by Mr. .T. A. C. All ii in. who said that at times it seemed rather improper for information to be disclosed even before it reached the council itself. Mr. E. F. Andrews declared that he and other members were \ ery much concerned about the leakages which hail occurred. The Press had possession of practically every matter of importance before members of the council did.,and a sub-committee should be set up to investigate. The Mayor. Kir Ernest Davis, said the occurrences placed him in a false position. It hail been left to his .judgment to release reports of committees where he thought publication would be in the public interest and would not interfere with the prerogative of the council. He agreed that consideration of the matter by. a small sub-committee would be helnfnl. and later he moved in that direction. The sub-committee will consist 'of Messrs. Alluni. Andrews, 1!. Armstrong and A. S. Bailey.