INTERESTED PARTY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 8 June 1928, Page 9

INTERESTED PARTY.

WELLINGTON DRAINAGE LOAN

MAYOR AS PROPERTY OWNER

[by telegraph—press association.] WELLINGTON, June 7. A statement alleging'that the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Troup) was financially interested in land affected by the proposed loan of £IOO,OOO for drainage, works was mad© by Mr. T. W. McDonald, of the Vigilance Committee, when he was- giving evidence before, a special committee of the Board of Health to-day. The city solicitor' (Mr, O’Shea.) demanded that the words should he taken down, as the statement was not privileged and was subject to the law of slander. Mr. McDonald had no objection, and went on to say it was proposed to include in the scheme the Highbury estate. He had searched the title, and found, the Mayor was one of the owners, A big portion of this estate, was to be drained.

The city solicitor indignantly defended the Mayor, who two days ago knew nothing about the position. When he learned that Mr. McDonald was going to attack him he said he was emit© prepared to sell his interest for £350.

Mr. McDonald said, he was prepared to accept that. Other speakers deprecated introducing personal matters or that it should be suggested that men entering public life must give up their private properties.

Mr. McDonald' said he had never suggested the Mayor had brought influence to hear in the matter, but ratepayers had a right to know about these things. He had; not suggeisted anv improper action by the Mayor. The committee then resumed its ordinary proceedings.