CITIZEN CANDIDATES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27514, 7 October 1950, Page 8

CITIZEN CANDIDATES

Sir,—" Veritas ” writes suggesting that I was nominated by the Citizens’ Committee for the Hospital Board as a member "it was sure of ” in any vote involving representation of the University Council on the board. Let me state unequivocally that I agree with the Government policy of no unelected members on municipal bodies. One motion was put to a special meeting of the Hospital Board a few weeks ago, in effect asking members to vote on two questions: (1) Are you against unelected University representation on the board? On this I would have voted, Yes. (2) Are you in favour of sending a vigorous protest to the Prime Minister against any such proposed legislation? As the chairman of the board had a few minutes previously read a telegram from the Prime Minister denying that any such legislation was contemplated, it seemed to me wrong to doubt the Prime Minister’s statement, and therefore I would have voted "No ” as regards sending a protest. As, however, only one motion was proposed, embodying the above two parts, I voiced my opposition to the telegram part of the motion and refrained from voting. I understood Mr Dove’s opinion was similar, and that he, too, refrained from voting for the same reason. 1 trust this more detailed report of the Incident will clear any doubts on the matter.—l'am, etc., John Fulton.

Sir, —The letter by “ Veritas ” makes me wonder just what is behind the University’s drive for special representation on the Hospital Board. Looking back over the years, I wonder why such prominent men as the late Sir Lindo Ferguson never at any period that one can recollect ever asked for special privileges for the Medical School. The late Mr Morrell, who for many years was chancellor of the University, would never, I am sure (and I knew him intimately), have dreamed of asking for such a concession.

Watching the trend of the times, one realises that those who have wanted to assert a special privileged position in a community—in other words, special representation —have been your Stalins, Hitlers and Mussolinis. It is time for us all to return to a true concept of democracy. —I am. etc.. British Way.