LETTERS TO MAYOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21853, 16 July 1934, Page 11

LETTERS TO MAYOR

NORTHCOTE BOROUGH RECENT COUNCIL DISPUTE notice: of motions given Three notices of motion arising out of a controversy that has occurred over the procedure adopted by the Mayor of Northcote, Mr. R. Martin, with regard to correspondence addressed to him, will be discussed at a meeting of the Northcote Borough, Council to-morrow night. Mr. N.. S.. Davidson will move: — "This council resolves that all correspondence addressed to the Mayor of Northcote delivered to the borough office be opened by the town clerk, placed on the file and presented to the next meeting of the council, provided that it reaches the office in time to comply with standing orders." Mr. Ev C. Fowler has given notice that he will move:—"This council hereby disapproves of the action of the Mayor in disregarding standing orders by his refusal to accept a motion of adjournment at the meeting of the Northcote Borough Council held on July 3, and instructs the town clerk to report to the council on the matter of penalty that may be exacted."

Mr. A. G. Osborne will move:— "That a committee of three be appointed to obtain legal advice on the action necessary to ensure the due observance by the Mayor of standing orders of the council, and making his rulings based upon the recognised principles of chairmanship." At a meeting of the council on June 19 it was reported that several members asked questions regarding the procedure concerning letters addressed to "the Mayor," and that Mr. Martin had replied:—"Anything addressed to me I will, deal with as I think proper." At a subsequent meeting o/ the council on July 3 Mr. Martin ruled out of order a circular communication from the Mayor of Palmerston North dealing with sustenance payments on the ground that it was not the business of the council. At the same meeting the Mayor ruled out of order a motion by Mr. Fowler that the action of the Mayor in disregarding the resolution of the council to produce all correspondence of a public nature be disapproved, and, failing his assurance for its future observance, suggesting that he consider tendering his resignation.

On the refusal of the Mayor to accept a motion, from Mr. Davidson that the meeting be adjourned, Messrs. Osborne, Fowler and Davidson left their seats as a protest.