WESTPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL CRITICISES MINISTER’S ACTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 March 1948, Page 6

WESTPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL CRITICISES MINISTER’S ACTIONS

“From his letter to the Westport News it appeals that the member tor Buller (Mr Skinner) is of the opinion that he is doing a good job for this district, but it is just the opposite; said Or J. Kilkenny at the montoiy meeting of the Westport Borough Council, vzhen a letter was received from'Mr Skinner concerning the site for t-fye coal briquetting works, the text of which has already been published, states the Westport News. The letter was in reply to a protest at a proposal that such works be established at Sockburn instead of in the Buller district as was expected. “The Lost Tribe” “We certainly are living up to the name of the lost tribe, but let us hope that some day we will be rediscovered,” added Cr Kilkenny, who said that only when the coal ceased to go out of the Buller would there be a “squeal?” He said he would like to see'Mr Skinner meet representatives of the Borough and County Councils, Progress League and other interested organisations, not only on the briquette works, but other aspects of the 10-year plan. Referring to Mr Skinner’s letters, Cr Kilkenny said that there were few which did not state that lie had conferred with colleagues on various matters, most of which had been turned down. That attitude, he. claimed, was in striking contrast to Mr Webb’s policy by which he could be contacted at most times. “Elusive Pimpernel” Cr C. H. Thomas reminded councillors that a motion had been carried at a previous meeting asking Mr Skinner to meet a deputation when he next visited Westport. He did not agree with Cr Kilkenny’s remarks altogether, but felt that there had been laxity somewhere.

The Mayor (Mr J, S, Robertson): Mr Skinner is a type of elusive pimpernel.

Cr R. Cunliffe was of the opinion that while the people of the Buller expected attention and service from Mr Skinner it might bo difficult lor him to give them his full attention while he was carrying out the gigantic job of rehabilitation. The Mayor said that he would not like to think that party politics could affect the establishment of industries in any centre and he felt that Buller definitely had a claim for consideration. The Mayor and Cr Kilkenny and Thomas'were appointed to act as the Council’s representatives t.® meet. Mr Skinner, and the Trades Council, which had written supporting the protest about the briquette works, is also to be invited to be represented at the conference. _____