Cr Guthrey’s Remarks “Insulting, Untrue”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31801, 4 October 1968, Page 12

Cr Guthrey’s Remarks “Insulting, Untrue”

Remarks made by Cr A. R. Guthrey in his campaign for the city mayoralty were offensive, an insult to county residents, and completely untrue, said the chairman (Mr D. B. Rich), at a meeting of the Waimairi County Council last evening.

“We are sometimes amused at Cr Guthrey’s remarks on amalgamation, which he sees as a solution to the city’s problems,” said Mr Rich.

Recent remarks by Cr Guthrey which culminated in a description of Waimairi residents and ratepayers as parasites could not be overlooked.

Waimairi had consistently paid its way in providing city amenities and services, and had shared in other metropolitan projects, said Mr Rich. It was nonsense for Cr Guthrey to say that Fendalton people drove down Colombo Street but had not paid for it Fendalton people paid to park on Colombo Street, and Cr Guthrey himself frequently used Fendalton Road. Waimairi did not ask the City Council to pay to develop county amenities enjoyed by city people. Cr Guthrey had asked why the city ratepayers, alone, should be asked to share the cost of the Commonwealth Games. Cr Guthrey knew that Waimairi had never been consulted on the costs, and that the county had asked to be part of their investigation.

“We are quite prepared to co-operate if it is economically feasible to have the Games at Christchurch,” he said.

“I say to city ratepayers: Cr Guthrey’s remarks are not calculated to assist metropolitain co-operation. Mr Mathison said his remarks could do irreparable damage. How right he is. “Cr Guthrey is going the

right way to have the Commonwealth Games left with the city. We ask no charity, nor do we expect it. If Cr

Guthrey continues to antagonise and insult people, let him, but city ratepayers should weigh the effects.”