Harbour Board Action.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 41, 15 September 1887, Page 2

Harbour Board Action.

MORE LAW COSTS. At the Harbour Board meeting on Tuesday night an account was received from the Sinking Fund Commiaaionere for £36 Is 6J, amount of law cost* incurred iu connection with the case Baldwin against the Harbour Board. Mr Chambers moved that the account be not passed. The Board had their own solicitor, and the Comtniesioners had tio right to put the Board to further expense in engaging another solicitor.

Mr Dickson in seconding the motion said he cordially endorsed the remarks of Mr Chamber’s. >be Commissioners should have applied to the Board's solicitor. Mr Sunderland said the write Rad been served on the members individually, and the Commissioners had engaged the lawyers that were acting for them. Mr DeLautour bad practically defended the whole of tho members. He moved as an amendment that the account be referred to the Finance Committee to report on. Mr Matthewson supported Mr Chambers. He said it would have been better not to have defended the action as then they would have known their legal position. Be was served with a writ himself, [Mr Chambers: You served yourself.J and engaged a solicitor, and paid him. The Chairman said it would be better to refer the matter to a special committee. Major Porter snid the Commie* sioners were entirely distinct from the Board, and the Board had no control over them. The Commissioners could charge what they liked. Mr Townley seconded the amendment. Mr Chambers said the Sinking Fund Commissioners had no right whatever to waste the ratepayer's money. As well might it be contended that the Commissioners could wire Home £lOOO to any solicitor, and tho Board would have to pay. As regards the immediate duties of the Commissioners the Board had no control, but the employing of legal assistance should come under their power*. The amendment was carried,