£673 JUBILEE DEFICIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22955, 5 February 1938, Page 18

£673 JUBILEE DEFICIT

MAORIS' EXPENSES UNAUTHORISED PURCHASES [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] PALMERSTON NORTH, Friday A deficit of £673 on the recent diamond jubilee celebrations in Palmerston North was revealed in a statement presented to the jubilee committee to-night. The way in which the Maori portion of the celebrations used up the finances called forth strong comment.

It was reported that the Maoris had purchased goods from stores without orders from an official of the committee, so that, instead df their portion of the expenses being £9O, juj estimated, it had mounted to £373, of which amount over £9O was, for transport, benzine and taxis. At one country store goods, which included sardines, pickles, tobacco, etc., had been bought to the amount of £6O. The first the committee knew of the expenditure was when they received the accounts.

Members complained about stores accepting the Maoris at face value and not telephoning to ascertain if the Maoris were entitled to any credit. The Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, who presided, said it was a, weakness in the organisation which had brought about such a state of affairs. As compensation for the £6/3 deficit the City Council will obtain flags and other material valued at £l5O.