£1000 GRANT

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23915, 6 April 1943, Page 4

£IOOO GRANT

“MISS VICTORY” CANDIDATE LABOUR COUNCILLORS PROTEST Opposition was expressed last evening by the Labour members of the Christchurch City Council, when a recommendation was received from the electricity committee that a grant of £IOOO be made for the support of the local bodies’ candidate in the "Miss Victory” competition (Mrs Gladstone Ward). “This is public money, and the money should be equally divided among all the candidates,” Cr. H. E. Denton said.

An amendment on these lines moved by Cr. Denton was defeated. Crs. J. N. Clarke and S. H. Maddren voted for the amendment. “It would certainly save a good deal of friction if this were done,” said Cr. J. S. Barnett, supporting the amendment. The Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) said he was amazed at the attitude of the speakers. “What are we running our local bodies’ candidate for if we are not going to support her?” he asked. "Every other candidate is obtaining support in various ways.” In reply to a question, the Mayor remarked that there was no doubt in nis mind as to which one would win. “It will be the Red Cross queen,” he said. , Cr. G. Manning: The fairest way will be to distribute the money. The council decided to adhere to its original decision that the £IOOO from the Municipal Electricity Department’s funds should go to "Miss Greece.” as originally planned. At a later stage of the proceedings the Mayor moved that £250 out of a total of £4lO in the City Treasurer’s department from "surplus money held in suspense,” be made available tor the local bodies’ candidate. Cr. Denton: Again I want to make it quite clear that I think this money should also be divided among all the candidates. . The Mayor’s suggestion was agreed to. _____