Council Action On Newspaper Report

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29830, 24 May 1962, Page 14

Council Action On Newspaper Report

(New Zealand Press Association) INVERCARGILL, May 23. An alleged breach of standing orders by Cr. R. T. Parsons was referred to the city solicitor by a meeting of the Invercargill City Council last night. It concerned the publication by a weekly newspaper of material that was confidential to the council at the time.

"Cr. Parsons has told me that he is responsible for it,” said the Mayor (Mr A. L Adamson).

The newspaper last week carried a long article on council investigations into land transactions, said the Mayor.

“It evidently got the whole file—with the reports—because the particulars published were according to fact.” he saiu It was a serious breach of procedure and fortunately did not occur very often.

"In this case the council is obliged to take action It has to do so under the act.” said the Mayor. The by-law provided for a penalty The person who divulged the information would * - liable, and possibly the newspaper, too. “It is all utterly distasteful to me. but 1 can’t see any way of avoiding it.” said the Mayor

The Town Clerk iMr L. A Best) said it was a by-law that no person should divulge discussions or deliberations held tn committee. For a breach of the by-law. there was provision for a fine not exceed'ng £5O Cr N L Watson said the divulging of confidential material could destroy the council fundamentally The council then voted to

put the matter in the hands of the city solicitor. Cr Parsons voted against the move.

Cr. Parsons said dozens of people had approached him on the subject. The Mayor interrupted to say that the only matter under discussion was an alleged breach of a by-law.

“O K , well go ahead and do what you like.” said Cr Parsons, sitting down. “The other thing is where you'll get the .150 I'd sooner go to gaol first. I’ll let the newspaper know more, too—about what hasn't been before committee.”