TOWN CLERK NOT CONSULTED.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20828, 11 April 1933, Page 6

TOWN CLERK NOT CONSULTED.

NEW BRIGHTON COUNCIL'S QUANDARY. The allegedly, unconstitutional procedure adopted in the sealing of a road in New Brighton led to a long discussion at the meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council last ■even* ing, when it was mentioned that material for the work (purchased, it was alleged, without reference to the Town Clerk) could not be paid for by the council. In accordance with notice of motion, Cr. 1-lolloway moved that the resolution passed on March 27, to tar-seal Marriott's road, at a cost of £llß, be rescinded and after a long discussion the motion was lost by five v.otes to four. Those voting for the motion were the Mayor (Mr E. A. M. Leaver) and Crs. Lawry, Hulme, and Holloway. In ruling that the notice of motion was in order, the Mayor said that the whole procedure regarding the work already done to the road appeared to be unconstitutional, no order for material, excepting for U yards of screenings, having been placed when the notice of motion was handed in, and no further orders having been received by the Town Clerk (Mr C. T. Middleton), until Saturday, April 8, when to all appearances the work was completed. In those circumstances, the Mayor said, he very much doubted if the material could legally be paid for by the council. In explanation, Cr. Ainsworth said that the work was started the day following the carrying of the resolution authorising it. He admitted that he had not ordered the material through the Town Clerk and that the Gas Company had supplied the hotmix and sprayer. Cr. Bargrove, speaking against the motion, said that the work was well started before he received the notice of motion. Cr. Thomson confirmed this. Cr. Lawry said that it was definitely understood that a certain material should be used and that work of that magnitude should be ordered through the office. At this stage the Mayor had to call Cr. Ainsworth to order. Cr. Lawry continued: The council will really have to ask the Minister for Public Works to make Cr. Ainsworth manager of the borough. Cr. Bargrove had then to be ordered to resume his seat. The Town Clerk explained the usual procedure adopted in the office when ordering material, but in this case, he said, the system had not been followed. If material was to be ordered in this way he must ask to be relieved of responsibility. The motion having been defeated, the Mayor stated that councillon would have to consider their position about the payment for the material He, as chairman of finance, would not sign the voucher until he had had legal advice.