MAYOR’S ACTION CRITICISED

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23109, 27 August 1940, Page 6

MAYOR’S ACTION CRITICISED

MISUSE OF AUTHORITY ALLEGED Criticism of the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macl'nrlaiic. M.P.) for his- action in stating publicly that the Canterbury Patriotic Council was behind the Union Jack Club proposal before the matter had been discussed by the council, was made by Mr W. Chapman at a meeting of the council yesterday afternoon. "Where, Mr Mayor, did you cot the authority to make that statement and Why was the subject hot brought Up at last meeting, - when the gathering about forming the Union Jack Club was held the night before?” he asked. All patriotic organisations come under the jurisdiction of the Patriotic Council by Government regulation, Mr Macfarlane said. The bodies sponsoring the Union Jack Club were a guarantee <f its integrity. Taking this into consideration, he used his power as chairman of the council to approve the proposal. lij those circumstances any body could form itself into a patriotic committee and demand funds from the council. Mr Chapman said. Any body which was regularly formed at a public meeting must receive recognition, replied Mr Macfarlane. However, the council had complete control over its activities so far as financial matters were concerned.