Chairman Pleased, But Not Council

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31196, 21 October 1966, Page 12

Chairman Pleased, But Not Council

The Waimairi County Council last night dissociated itself from gratification expressed by the chairman (Mr O. C. Mitchell) in newspaper comment on a report that National Roads Board members did not favour widening Fendalton road to 99ft.

Cr. R. C. Neville criticised the chairman, who, he said, had said that the council would be gratified at the decision, as it meant that Fendalton road would not have to be widened to more than 84ft. It was quite wrong for the chairman to say the council would be gratified, said Cr. Neville. An 84ft roadway would be sub-standard, against the recommendations of the board’s own engineers, and against the council’s wishes.

He moved that the council not confirm the statement made by the chairman. Mr Mitchell said he had made certain promises before the election, and he had tried

to uphold them. The Minister of Works (Mr Allen) had made a statement, and both Christchurch newspapers had telephoned for comment. “I gave my own personal view,” said Mr Mitchell. “Could I do anything more than express gratification that the board favoured what I wanted —no widening beyond 84ft?

“I was told by the Minister that he upheld my views. My statement to the newspaper was my personal views.” If incorrect, the statement in the newspapers had not been corrected, said Cr. D. B. Rich, seconding the motion. The same newspaper reports indicated that the board had made a decision contrary to that wanted by the council. “The statement was not correct in several details,” said Cr. Rich. “The roads board discussion was informal. It was brought up by counties’ representatives on the board. No resolution was passed. The board is still waiting for the council’s plans and technical data.”

Cr. Neville said Mr Mitchell might have made a personal statement, but how would the public differentiate on a statement by him as county chairman?

“I know the council turned the motion down bv six votes to four,” said Mr Mitchell, referring to the council’s decision on Fendalton road widening.

Cr. Neville’s motion was carried.

Cr. Rich then moved that the attitude of the council be put before the Minister. Seconding the motion, Cr. Neville said that it was desirable that the roads board should know the council’s attitude. The board’s engineering staff would never subscribe to anything else. The record must be put right. ’ The motion was carried.