LEAVE GRUNTED.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2646, 15 May 1923, Page 5

LEAVE GRUNTED.

TO ABSENTEE COUNCILLOR, 1 MR ELIOTT'S 'INDISCRETION' OVERLOOKED. MOTION TO ENLARGE COUNCIL Afer an animated discission at "last night's meeting of the Palmerston North Borough Council, if was resolved to grant. Cr. M. A. Eliott, the six .months' leave of absence applied for by him prior to his departure. The discussion emanated from a legal opinion to the effect that it was in order for the Council to grant the application. Cr. Graham moved that leave b« granted. He did not overlook the fact Cr. Eliott had made an error- in not informing the ratepayers of his intentions, but he had undertaken to make certain enquiries for the Council during his trip, and he felt that he should not be displaced at the Council table.

Cr. Fitzherber-.' seconded. Cr. Hodgens strongly opposed the motion, arguing on the lines of his previous contention. Simply, what did it amount to? Cr. Graham: "Overtime."

Cr. Hodgens: "That is just the point. . . I refuse to work overtime." He maintained that the Borough business was far too important to be done late at night, or by overtime, when there was always a tendency to rush through the business. He instanced other places where the Council contained as many councillors, though they were far smaller than Palmerston North. Cr. Eliott was on one of the most important committees and had not acted squarely in absenting himself without at least, going before the ratepayers to test their feelings in the matter. If it took nine men to do the work of six committees in 1911, how was it to be expected that eight men could manage now with fourteen committees?

Cr. Jackson also opposed, holding that Cr. Eliott should have taken the ratepayers into his confidence, and should have made a statement regarding his intentions.

Cr. Oram said there had been a lot in what the two previous speakers had said, and undoubtedly the Council should be increased, rather than decreased. He declared that Cr. Eliott had not done the "fair and sporting" thing. He could have pointed it out to the ratepayers, who, no doubt, in the circumstances, would have agreed to his remaining on the Council. Therefore, he found Cr. Eliott quite blameworthy, but there was another aspect If Cr. Eliotet had not done the fair and sporting thing, it did not follow that the Council could not, and grant him the leave asked for, Cr. Eliott had undertaken to assist {he Council very materially during his trip, and so the speaker favoured the granting of the leave. Personally, he would be quite prepared to carry on as best they could. Cr. West also referred to the facf that Cr. Eliott had agreed to make enquiries for the Council. He felt disposed to support the motion. Cr. Canton opposed the motion as a matter of principle.

Cr. McLeavey supported. Several people had stated that they knew- he was going away, but he harf noticed that the question had not' been asked when Cr. Eliott was on the piatform. The Maj'or considered that although Cr. Eliott had been indiscreet, he was doing good work for the Council. He would support the motion. Cr. Hodgens: "Is it competent* for a councillor to execute a commis■Bion?" The Mayor: "It is not a commas* sion, it is an investigation." The motion was carried. Cr. Hodgens gave notice of motion at the next meeting of the Council that it be increased to twelve members.