CITY'S EXPENDITURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19799, 21 November 1927, Page 12

CITY'S EXPENDITURE.

Sir, —Mr. Stallworthy's letter in Thursday's Herald calls for a reply on my part, if only to point out the apparent clouding of the real issue; in other words the want of sincerity in his contentions. As one having had considerable experience in debate, and having been present when Mr. Murray made application for a public investigation into the information in his possession, I claim to have been in a more independent position to judge of the apathy complained of than individual, members of the council. Mr. Stallworthy contents himself with stating that Mr. Murray's statements were "referred to a special committee (which is correct, but open neither to tne public or press), and his plausibility might appeal to many of those who were not present at the council meeting. But he knows perfectly that it was not until Mr. Murray's persistency in proceeding (notwithstanding the active heckling by members and the attitude of the Mayor), indicated that he intended to push the matter to the limit and if the council declined then to hand over all data to some other body to investigate, the resolution was passed, though not unanimously, Mr. Murray objecting because it would not be open to the public. This was done at the last to " save face." But what does it amount to—an investigation of the activity -or inactivity of those members who were in office during the periods in which the many matters complained of occurred. This forms the sole solution of the attitude of most of the members to Mr. Murray's conditions as to a public inquiry. It is evident that Mr. Stallworthy has decided to protect these members and if this is his interpretation of keeping faith with his election pledges, then we will know how to deal with him at the next election. However, he is here given an opportunity of showing his sincerity or otherwise. The universal expressions of appreciation of Mr. Murray's activities indicate to me that the time is over-ripe for a " spring cleaning." So far I have not been able to learn if the council is agreeable to have the investigation open to the public. If it is not, then I trust Mr Murray will hand the whole of the information over, to the combined ratepayers' associations for further action. In this case the whole of the information could be forwarded to Wellington with a request that it should be investigated by either a magistrate or a Supreme Court Judge, and the blame, if any, placed upon the proper shoulders. An extraordinary j amount of information regarding waste, etc., is being furnished by council employees and others, but it depends upon the interest taken and support given by the ratepayers in the near future, whether the additional, matters shall be probed right up to the hilt or only those already arranged for bo dealt with. H. P. Taylor. Vice-President City West Ratepayers' Association.