UGLY INSINUATIONS

Evening Star, Issue 19893, 15 June 1928, Page 4

UGLY INSINUATIONS

AUCKLAND COUNCILLOR CONCERNED

COMMITTEE TO INQUIRE (Pm Ukitbd Press Association.! , AUCKLAND, June 16. The Mayor (Mr Baildon) stated at the City Council meeting last night that all the leases of the Civic square, on which valuable properties were demolished a few years ago, bad been sold with the exception of two lots. The aggregate rental of the sections so far leased was £7,071 per annum. The Mayor said there had been rumours and insinuations concerning a written statement by Mr Reuben Jaffe, the purchaser of the lease of lot 5. Jaffe stated that after his purchase he was waited upon by Cr Murray, who said ho would assist in obtaining the council’s permission to extend the period fixed for payment of rental, and asked for a contribution to his (Murray’s) fund towards his costs in an inquiry in respect to his allegations in regard to alleged irregularities in City Council transactions. He declined to contribute more than 10s. Later, Murray told him he would have to give him more money for his fund. He said that for his own good lie must see Jerry Lundon at once. By arrangement ho met Murray and London, and during conversation London said: “ What are the Mayor and councillors getting out of you?” He (Jaffe) replied: “What a wrong question to ask me.” Mr London replied: “Do you mean to toll me that the Mayor can live on his honorarium, and that he is not getting something out of this.” He (Jaffo) replied: “Emphatically no. I am .disgusted at your suggestion. 1 have not spoken to the mayor privately in my life, nor to the town clerk.” Jaffe thought Lundon used these expressions. After Murray had gone Lundon became insistent on on him (Jaffe) contributing to Councillor Murray’s fund. Flo (Jaffe) said ho might give £lO when matters were finally settled. Lundon bluntly said: “Promises are no good to me; you must give me the money imediately.” This he (Jaffe) declined to do. The interview with Murray was to the effect that Murray would not assist him with his influence as a councillor, but would use bis influence against him (Jaffe) unless he contributed to Murray’s fund. This impression was not given by any specific statement, but was gathered from the general run of Murray’s talk, and from his attitude.

Cr Murray said those statements were inaccurate and untrue, and lie would reply at some future date. On the Mayor’s motion, Jade’s statement was referred to the Legal Committee for inquiry and report.