Councillors’ Absence Criticised At Planning Authority Meeting

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28237, 27 March 1957, Page 19

Councillors’ Absence Criticised At Planning Authority Meeting

absence of Christchurch Qty Council representatives on Regional Planning Authority gecutive was criticised by Mr G. n Griffiths (architects’ represenative) at a meeting of the execujrt yesterday morning. *ft seems a pretty poor start for g* council” he said commenting the non-appearance of three j the council’s four members. X few minutes before, the execute by a margin of one vote, had jedded against Belfast being conjjcted to Christchurch for urban development. “Mr W. P. Glue, one of the lardest working local body members, is here, but his three tolleagues are not,” said Mr Griffiths, himself a non-voting pember. The deputy-chairman (Mr E. J. Bradshaw, Riccarton borough) explained that the chairman (Mr j. Mathison, M.P.) who was a eouncil representative was at a fearing and had sent an apology. Ro apologies had been received from the other two members— Messrs M. R. Carter and W. L. F. UUey. Representation Vital “It is very vital that the city Miould be fully represented,” said Mr Griffiths. “If these people cansot attend they should arrange to liave someone stand in for them. In the old days, we were warned o n a morning that there was a meeting on. “Decisions to be made here are very important decisions. We cannot carry on with a voting strength of just over 50 per cent. Something should be done about ft,” he said. Mr Griffiths then moved that in

members of the authority should be informed by telephone that meetings were being held on l P eetin gs; and hat the City Council be written to asking that steps be taken to see that its representatives atmeetings of th e authority. 1 think that is too drastic,” said -? ut Ido a PP r eciate the fact that if they do not turn up it could have drastic repercussions.

Mr J. I. Colligan (Waimairi): It could have happened today. Mr Bradshaw: Very nearly. The two members of the council who had not sent apologies for their absence were new members, said Mr Glue. It would be best ht m to mention the matter to them rather than have a letter written to the council. When Mr Bradshaw called for a member to second the motion, no seconder was forthcoming and the motion lapsed. Mr Griffiths: The discussion has served its purpose.