ST. HILDA’S MAYOR

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29983, 19 November 1962, Page 12

ST. HILDA’S MAYOR

Latest Moves On Honorarium "The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN, Nov. 18. St Kilda residents and ratepayers are determined that the mayoral honorarium controversy will not become a dead issue. One group has intimated its willingness to take the matter to court for a decision on whether the council's decision to reduce the honorarium was legally correct. Another is planning to circulate a petition among borough residents, condemning the decision. The petition will be sent to the Auditor-General

The St Kilda Ratepayers’ Association has held a special meeting “to discuss the attitude of some councillors.” The president <Mr H. P. Bryant) said today: “The meeting was thoroughly disgusted with councillors who sought to belittle the Mayor’s position.” The Mayor (Mr R. S. Jones) is well aware of these moves. He has had letters from scores of people since his decision to continue in office. He has also had three legal opinions all against the council's decision. The opinions have claimed because the decision to reduce the honorarium by £l5O was made after the inauguration of the Mayor, it was not legal On this basis Mr Jones is prepared to write to the Auditor-General Explaining the legal position and supporting the petition. The group wishing to make a court case of the issue has been dissuaded from taking any action until the petition has been completed.