Standing order breach alleged

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32971, 18 July 1972, Page 1

Standing order breach alleged

A Citizens city councillor had committed a “flagrant breach of standing orders” by discussing with the chairman of the Waimairi County Council (Mr D. B. Rich) matters concerning the M.E.D. which at that time were still in committee, said Cr D. R. Dowell at the Christchurch City Council meeting last evening.

The “leakage of information,” concerning the proposal (since adopted) that money ($95,000) be transferred from the M.E.D. loan redemption fund for the relief of city rates, estranged Waimairi county councillors and ratepayers, said Cr Dowell.

"I challenge the councillor’s action accordingly, because I consider it to be a serious breach of standing orders,” said Cr Dowell, chairman of the finance committee.

Statement read He read a statement in which he said that the M.E.D. was not an autonomous body but a department of the City Council. Interest from the loan redemption fund was rated to pay the council’s public debt. Transfer of the sum from the M.E.D. r und would not reduce the profits of the M.E.D. Money from the loan redemption fund was invested and the interest used to reduce the council’s public debt.

Cr H. G. Hay said that Cr Dowell in his statement had apparently "pointed the finger” at him. Cr Dowell denied that.

In reply to Cr Dowell, Cr Hay said that he must agree, in principle, that it was wrong for any councillor to discuss in-committee business with any other person except a councillor. He had said, publicly, that transferring any funds from the M.E.D. would arouse an adverse reaction in Waimairi. He had since been proved right, said Cr Hay. “Misinformed” Cr Dowell said that the Citizens’ councillor, whom he challenged, had misinformed Mr Rich. The Mayor (Mr N. G. Pickering) said he regarded the breach seriously. ‘lf there are any more such breaches, I shall be forced to pursue the matter and uncover the councillor responsible for breaches _of confidence,” Mr Pickering I said.