More criticism of C.O.G.S.

Press, 17 November 1987, Page 9

More criticism of C.O.G.S.

The Community Organisations Grants Scheme drew more criticism last evening from the Christchurch City Council. The Mayor, Sir Hamish Hay, warned councillors to advise community groups to be prepared for the forthcoming election to fill vacancies on the C.O.G.S. committee. There was a certain bias on the committee, he said. Cr Linda Constable said she resigned from the original committee because she was unhappy at how grants money was being distributed. Worth-while community

organisations were missing out in favour of some organisations formed simply to apply for grants. One group that did not obtain grants on two occasions was the Christchurch Household Budget Advisory Service, now threatened with closing next year. The council decided to write to the Minister of Social Welfare, Dr Cullen, and the C.O.G.S. committee on the service’s behalf. Ethnic council “Just another organisation to walk the streets

campaigning against what we stand for,” complained Cr Ron Wright about the proposal for an ethnic council for Christchurch. Several councillors spoke against council resources being used to establish the ethnic body, a concept promoted by the office of the Race Relations Conciliator. Cr Wright felt those ethnic minorities who would be represented on a council should integrate into the present system. “We’re all New Zealanders,” he said. That was like saying there should be no youth council because everyone

grows up, retorted Cr Linda Constable. Cr John Burn felt a council might be “swamped” by Maori interests. Sir Hamish Hay said all the council was doing was endorsing the concept and a public meeting called under his and the Race Relations Conciliator’s auspices. “We have been involved before in getting organisations off the ground. That is all we’re doing. I believe all minorities, I hope all minorities, will be represented,” he said, “including the Scots.”