SEPARATE MEETINGS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30155, 12 June 1963, Page 16

SEPARATE MEETINGS

Double Pay Claimed

(N.Z Preu Association) ROTORUA, June 11. The Government would have to consider imposing restrictions if some councils did not desist from claiming double payments for successive meetings following immediately upon one another, said Sir Leon Gotz, Minister < of Internal Affairs, at the opening of the Counties Association conference in Rotorua today “It has come to my attention that cases are arising where a special meeting is heid a few minutes before tha ordinary meeting and claims are made for separate payment for attendance at each meeting ‘ Although it was legally correct, he did not think it was in accord with the legislation to provide payments for councillors, said Sir Leon Gotz. “The legislation was framed in very general terms because we did not want to be unnecessarily restrictive." he said “At the same time, it was expected members of local authorities would act in a reasonable manner and not claim double payments for meetings held Immediately one after the other “If they are not prepared to act in this manner, then the Government will have to consider what restrictions, if anv. should be imposed." Sir Leon Gotz was surprised. in view of the large number of representations he had received on the subject of payment to councillors, to see that a large number of local bodies had decided not to make the payment. “The mere fact that the legislation is permissive and not mandatory should not of itself be a deterrent to payment.” he said.