“TAGGED” EXPENDITURE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19498, 5 June 1925, Page 10

“TAGGED” EXPENDITURE.

AUCKLAND EDUCATION BOARD. AUDITOR-GENERAL’S DECREE. (Per United Press Association.> AUCKLAND, June 4. The action of tho Auditor-genera! in tagging the expenditure incurred by tho Auckfand Education Board, which expenditure had been included in the current account, was discussed again at tho board’s meeting, The auditor considered that certain expenditure involved in the reception of visiting teachers attending ex-members’ funerals, and also donations should have come under the heading of unauthorised expenditure. This is limited by legislation to £SO annually. The result of the Auditor-general’s decree is that members wore called upon to refund between them the sum of £46. At a previous meeting some members showed a disposition to defend their attitude, and though the board as a whole decided not to take this action, individual members were left to decide the matter for thornselyes. This morning a memorandum was received from the Auditor-general stating that as a full adjustment had not been made there was no option but to issue surcharges on all the members jointly and severally in terms of the Public Revenues Act for the balance. Seven days were allowed in which to mako full repayment. The Chairman (Mr A. Burns) said that only one member had not paid, but his action involved the whole of tho board for his share. Mr Wells: I think wo all support him in the stand he has taken. I hope he will continue to stand firm. I don’t mind being dragged into the case. If it goes against us I am quite prepared to pay my share. Air Burns said there was ho doubt they would lose. He favoured trying to get the authorised limit enlarged in future. It did not follow that it would be all expended. Tho matter was left in the chpirman’s hands.