PASSMORE PROPERTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23631, 15 October 1938, Page 14

PASSMORE PROPERTY

TERMS OF PAYMENT MINISTER’S DECISION STILL WITHHELD EXPLANATION OF DELAY The question whether the sale of the Passmore property to the city should or should not be completed is still undecided. The matter to be determined between the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. E. Parry) and the City Council was whether the terms of payment should be confirmed. The council took up the attitude that though the sale had virtually been completed it was not satisfied with the terms of payment. Representations were first made to Mr Parry after the council meeting of September 12. To this communication the Minister did not reply, and at the following meeting of the council Cr E. J. Smith again brought the matter forward, and another letter was sent. To this the Minister replied asking if the council was still of the opinion that he should assent to the terms proposed and stating that a reply would receive his prompt attention.

The City Council’s reply was sent on September 27. but, as the Minister did not acknowledge it, the matter was once again discussed at the meeting of the council on Monday last, and on the motion of Cr Smith it was decided to send a telegram to the Minister asking for an immediate decision.

Yesterday morning the town clerk (Mr R. A. Johnston) received a telegram from the Minister reading: “Your telegram regarding Passmore purchase received. Have not yet received a reply to my letter to you of September 17 asking if council still desires I should assent to terms proposed. Will give immediate decision when I receive reply to my letter.—W. E. Parry.”

To this the town clerk at once replied:—“Replying to your telegram re Passmore purchase, our reply your letter 17th ult. was sent Wellington under date September 27, and therein advised council strongly of opinion terms not satisfactory and should not be assented to.—R. A. Johnston, town clerk.”