PARLIAMENT Opposition objects to 'illegal acts'

Press, 20 September 1978, Page 6

PARLIAMENT Opposition objects to 'illegal acts'

PA Wellington i on the Government to explain \ what it describes as a “string; of illegal acts” by local gov-! emment authorities. The challenge came yesterday when the Minister for: Local Government (Mr! Highet) introduced the Local Legislation Bill to Parliament. The bill seeks to validate certain unauthorised acts by public bodies. Mr Highet said members likely to be concerned had been informed and had had no objections to the clauses. But Mr J. L. Hunt (Lab., New Lynn) said there were far too many incidences of local authorities not taking enough care. “We are being asked to validate actions which were not in accord with the law at the timehe said. Referring to a clause concerning the Wellington Hospital Board, validating the illegal use of loan money. Mr Hunt said this was a case of $120,000 of oversubscribed loan money being used to buy cars. “If authorities are doing things illegally, they should be made aware that thev may face serious consequences,” he said. Mr E. E. Isbey (Lab., Grey Lynn) said that recent ratepayer reaction against public

[bodies made it necessary for Parliament to become more vigilant. He referred to a clause which he described as la dangerous departure for thei ‘validation of public funds, I i He said the Waverleyi [Town Council had paid I a S5OO gratuity to a man who had not been in the service of the council for 10 years as required by the act. “It may be a small amount but the principle is extremely l important,” Mr Isbey said, i “This House is being asked jto validate an illegal payIment.” Mr R. W. Prebble (Lab., Auckland Central) said: “The law of the land is involved — the Minister should make a reasonable statement.” Dr G. A. Wall (Lab., Poriirua) referred to a clause ! authorising a grant by the Kapiti Borough Council of i up to §70,000 towards a Paraparaumu College gymnasium. ;He said he saw nothing in I the bill which guaranteed the | unrestricted public use of the j building. (Mr Higher later replied j that he had been informed 'the gymnasium, would be available for community use . in the evenings.) Mr Highet said the Oppo- ’ sition objections were “rubbish.” “This is only a orqvisional introduction of the bill. Any- : thing which is contentious

■ will be withdrawn,” he said. All such bills were referred to the Local Bills Committee, where the Labour Party had representation. Parliament had validated similar bills for the last 12 years, Mr Highet said. The House referred the bill to the Local Bills Committee.