Council’s Disapproval Of Employees’ Land Deals

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29829, 23 May 1962, Page 15

Council’s Disapproval Of Employees’ Land Deals

(New Zealand Press Association)

INVERCARGILL, May 22. After a heated debate, the Invercargill City Council tonight passed a resolution disapproving of council employees acquiring land benefiting from council servicing contracts or new roading formation before the completion of such works. The council, just before the discussion, decided to advise the Audit Department that an investigating sub-com-mittee was satisfied that everything was in order concerning a land transaction between J. C. Millars. Ltd.. and the city engineer. Mr K. A. Ballinger. “I used no knowledge that was not available to the public and the sub-committee

agreed.” said Mr Ballinger. “But in spite of that much of thf discussion has been weighted to the effect that I have done something wrong. Surely, I have some rights as a citizen. “I have been accused of being unworthy, that I should be removed, and some councillors have said they have no confidence in my judgment. I feel I have some rights of apology." Mr Ballinger said he did not know why he had been “picked on ” "I know something is going to happen in the south," he said, referring to the aluminium scheme. “The whole town knows something is going to happen.”