MR. FINCH'S MOTION.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6139, 27 August 1886, Page 2

MR. FINCH'S MOTION.

Mr Finch's notice to rescind a motion pa߻ed at a previous meeting, to the effect that tho Council tike Bteps to have tbe books specially audited under the direction of the Auditor-General, was brought on. Mr Finch strongly opposed a special iudit on ths grounds of the uncertainty of the cost (possibly over L 300) and the inadequate return that would accrue to tha ratepayers from such an outlay. He had favored (he adoption of a new 6ystem of bookkeeping, but only at a cost at LIOO, for the reason that their last balance sheet had been unsatisfactory, and that the adoption of such a system would result in a considerable saving to tha Council ; but tha Council did not know ihe approximate oost of the proposed etop. Mr Familton seconded the motion.

Mr Sanderson said the motion that a spsctal audit be made was passed in full CoudcU, and the objections raised by Mr Finch were discussed before the motion was passed, and Mr Finch had offered no new objection. In making a special audit, the result would possibly dispel all hints from outside that things ware not as they should be ; while it would pi aso the records of the Council on a sound basis that would serve for all time, and such an important matter should not be allowed to drop for tbe reasons urged by Mr Fine**.

Mr Humphrey said that a reason for a speoial audit was to be found in Mr Finch's own speech, for he had said the last year's audit was unsatisfactory. Mr Christie's answer to Mr Finch was in a petition addretied to his Excellency from the ratepayers of Oamaru, respectfully requesting tbe Governor to appoint a special auditor to audit the accounts of the borough. This was already signed by some ratepayers, and the Council could go no further than they bad in the matter. A vote of the ratepayers had to be takeD, and if ons-fourth were for a special audit then it would be made. He believed nevn-eighihs would vote for a special aidifc.

Mr Spence would vote for the original motion.

. Mr Lintott said tbe only thing that stood in his way was the uncertainty of the oost.

Mr Davidson was of a like opinion. But a special audit was necessary to dispel tbe mysterious talk now current about their officers and tbe affairs of the Council.

Messrs Hewat and Atkinson also spoke.

Mr Finoh replied. He regarded the passing of the motion was ultra vires. It wss altogether illegal. They h»d no power to call for such an audit, and Mr Christie knew that.

Mr Christie said they had power, and the Mayor waa convinced of the legality .of tbe Council's action.

Mr Humphrey : Mr Finoh, you have not read tho Ac*.

Mr Finch continued : But supposing they had the power no possible advantage would accrue to the Council to justify such an outlay. There was no necessity for the audit. If the ratepayers chose to take the onus of ordering a special audit it would then be time for the Council to act. In these days of impacuniosity and dull trade councillors were fnr spending monoy, but tha Oounoil never movtd in the direction of eooromy (Mr Davidson : Question) until lately, and he hoped they would take the hint from bis utterances that evening, and if th»y did be would not hay» lived in vain. (Laughter.) Bit if the Council called for tenders for jobs of L2O and enquired the cost of any work before it was ordered to be done, then why should the Council la inch out in an uncertain expenditure in this instarco—an expandture, too, involving hundreds of pounds.

Mr Finch's motion was rej cted by 7 to 4.

The necessary steps to s u oure onefourth of the ratepayers to santion a hpeeial audit being made will now be taken,