TOWN HALL PICTURES

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 31 October 1945, Page 7

TOWN HALL PICTURES

To the Editor

Slit, — While I have purposely refrained from pointing out the many inaccuracies in Mr F. Lovell's illadvised propaganda campaign, and have no intention of doing so generally—as these could not mislead any of your readers ; but the deliberate mis statement in the last part of your .correspondent's letter in last week's TIMES cannot be allowed to go unanswered. Neither the town cleric nor myself, as chairman of the Town Board at any time discussed with the Ohief Inspector of Films the nebulous building proposals of Conroy Pictures Ltd. Mr Lovell may have a chance of substantiating his misstatement to the Authority at an early date.

It should be apparent to most people that it would be quite improper to discuss publicly a matter which is being investigated by what is a judicial authority, and the Town Board has no intention of being enticed into doing so, whatever the provocation. After all, truth will, or should, prevail. —I am, etc.,

J. P. SMYTHEMAN, Chairman, Warkwortb Town Board

To the Editor

Sir,—

In reply to Britisher and Pioneer I am not recently returned, and to Uninformed I assure him I have not wilted. At this stage, as a result of the Board's rigid silence, I have no hesitationMn condemning their stand, not on the grounds that they are wrong and Gonroy Pictures right (on the contrary/ I am prepared to admit blame on both sides. No. I am not modifying my ideas) but it must be remembered the Town Board members are our- elected representatives, and it is they we should look to when a controversy of this kind arisesi. Remember also that Conroy Pictures, Ltd., is a business concern free to conduct its ...business.....where-, andhow it wishes. On the other hand, the Town Board is without these liberties. It is elected on the understanding that it will pursue a policy in keeping with those who placed them in office, and even though it is not legally bound to explain its every action to the public, it is democratically bound to answer such a storm of public opinion as is prevalent in this town at the moment. THAT IS DEMOCRACY!

It is heartening to note the formation of a Ratepayers' and Householders' Association in Warkworth, and even thought I understand its inauguration was not as a result of public opinion I feel that here, at last, we have a medium through which the public may reach its, at present, uncommunicative Board. I sincerely hope the public will give the support this association needs to be successful, and the Board will be intelligent enough to listen. Jo its -criticism, constructive or otherwise, before prematurely condemning it.

RETURNED