SOLICITOR’S DUAL OFFICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 749, 23 August 1929, Page 11

SOLICITOR’S DUAL OFFICE

“SERVING TWO MASTERS” QUESTION OF TRAM PASSES “Tlow is it that the same man is still acting as solicitor to both the City Council and the Transport Board?” asked Cr. T. Bloodworth at the City Qpuncil meeting last evening. He raised the question when a report by Mr. J. Stanton, city solicitor, about tram passes for councillors and Transport Board members and officers was being discussed. The solicitor had made a report that in his opinion the council had no authority to expend its funds in procuring passes for councillors from the Transport Board. Referring to the rights of the Transport Board in the withdrawal of tram passes formerly issued by the City Council, the solicitor believed that when the change-over occurred all councillors held passes for the trams and buses. The right of revocation had passed to the board and there was no doubt that the council could have withdrawn passes. The Legal and By-laws Committee submitted a list of 50 holders of passes and recommended that in future passes should be secured for 19 specified officers of the council and concessioncards should be supplied to other officials when on business. Cr. Bloodworth had addressed his remark to Cr. G. G. Ashley, chairman of the Legal and By-laws Committee. The chairman pointed out that his office really debarred him from answering the question. “I shall take steps to have it answered at next council meeting, said Cr. Bloodworth. Cr. Grey Campbell said there was a very serious question raised. “No man can serve two masters,” he quoted. The matter of giving advice to two parties should be cleared up, he felt. Cr A. J. Entrican: Mr. Stanton gets a retaining fee from this council. He is absolutely free to do any outside practice be thinks fit in the exercise of his profession, so long as any advice he gives does not conflict with the interests of the council. . Cr Bloodworth: What is his retaining fee? I didn't know there was one. The Town Clerk: Ten guineas. When Cr. Entrican said Mr. btanton had not been appointed solicitor to the board but was called in when required. Cr J R. Lundon said vehemently that he* had heard Mr. Stanton advising the board last Tuesday as its solicitor. To «av he is not solicitor to the Transport Board is simply playing h and indulging in camouflage, said the councillor, with heat. The Mayor: Order, order. Cr M. J. Coyle: Nobody denies that Mr Stanton is the board’s solicitor. Cr Lundon: I think you denied it. Cr Co vie: Well, what about it? Cr! Bioodworth: Cr. Ltindon s remarks are out of order. I intend to introduce this next meeting. On the motion of Cr. Bloodworth, the miestion of passes was referred back ?o the committee with a recommendation that further information should be placed before the city solicitor.