WAIMAIRI VACANCY POLITICAL ISSUE

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30803, 15 July 1965, Page 12

WAIMAIRI VACANCY POLITICAL ISSUE

Political issues are likely to be raised when the Waimairi County Council discusses at its meeting this evening the vacancy caused by the death of its chairman (Mr 1. J. Colligan).

The Riccarton - Selwyn Labour Representation Committee wants to nominate Mr N. P. Williamson, a Christchurch barrister and solicitor, to fill Mr Colligan’s Middleton riding seat until the local body elections in October. Mr Colligan was elected to

the council as a Labour Party candidate. The party now sees the balance of power on the council upset if his place is taken by other than a Labour nominee. At the 1963 election. Labour held five of the council’s 10 seats, and could rely on the casting vote of Mr Colligan as chairman. Last month, Mr V. P. Rabbitte, also a Labour councillor, resigned, and the council appointed in his place Mr H. J. Reynolds. The appointment of Mr Reynolds was carried by four votes to three, and Cr. A. A. Adcock described the appointment as unfair and undemocratic. The council rejected a petition, signed by 25 persons, nominating Mrs M. Y. Burrows for the vacancy, and Mr N. W. J. Halkett and Mr J. Stock offered their services to fill Cr. Rabbitte’s Harewood riding seat. The Labour view now is that a Labour nominee should be appointed to fill a Labour vacancy. It is felt that this should be covered by legislation to prevent a change in the balance of power during the term of a council. Statement A statement issued by the Riccarton-Selwyn L.R.C, says that the executive feels that Middleton ratepayers should have a repre-

sentative on the council so that their voice might be heard, and that the nominee should be a Labour Party nominee. “The executive was anxious to find a man to match the calibre of Mr Colligan. and we have been extremely lucky to find such a man in Mr N. P. Williamson, who is a Waimairi ratepayer, and is keenly interested in local affairs. “He is treasurer of both the Westbum School and its Parent-Teacher Association, and is vice-president of the United Friendly Societies’ board of control.” says the statement. Procedure The Local Elections and Polls Act lays down procedure for the council in the event of an extraordinary vacancy occurring, such as through death or resignation. If the vacancy occurs within a year of the elections, the council has the option of holding an election, or of appointing a qualified person. If the vacancy occurs within six months of the elections, as was the case with Mr Colligan and Mr Rabbitte, the council can appoint or leave the vacancy unfilled.

With the elections in October. there would not now be time to arrange an election. The county clerk (Mr K. Maclachlan) said that he knew nothing of Mr Williamson’s nomination. The vacancy was not on the council’s agenda,, but the question could be raised by any councillor.