TRANSPORT FINANCES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 842, 10 December 1929, Page 10

TRANSPORT FINANCES

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION WANTED LOCAL BODY DEPUTATION Dissatisfied with four set« 0 f differing figures each purporting to convey an accurate idea of th» financial position of the Auckland Transport Board. a deputation waited on the board this morning desiring an independent investigation. The deputation consisted of members of local bodies, acting on nnoffleia 1 initiative. They were armed with a resolution which stated in effect that owing to apparent unrest and lack of confident in the board, an independent inve3tiga. tion of the finances of the whole undertaking be permitted. The names of Messrs. G. W. Hutchison. Paul Hansen and H. Tiarks were suggested as fc. vestigators. “There is a growing feeling of dissatisfaction about the board’s operations,” said Air. S. Donaldson, Mayor of Newmarket. “An investigation would allay the unrest,” he added. Air. I. J. Goldstine said the purpose of the conference was to .offer constructive criticism. “Our status was simply that of local body members in the transport area—no more, no less,” he said. “At the first conference held at the Alount Eden Borough Council Chamber we had four differing sets of figures purporting to show the state of the transport finances,” said Mr. Goldstine. WHO SHOULD PAY? Questions and answers were flung about when Air. Alluni raised the question as to who should pay for such an investigation. The chairman thought the board should be absolved, and Mr. Donaldson admitted he had no authority to commit any local body. “But,” he suggested, “we might go 50-50.” Air. Alluni: We well know what these investigations cost. Mr. Donaldson: We are looking at the question with a broad view. Rather than have our request refused on the ground of expense, we might persuade the local bodies to bear the expense. Mr. Goldstine and the chairman were associated in a passage of words when Air. Allum asked what steps the inquirers had taken to ascertain ths true position of the finances. Air. Goldstine: That is the reason why we are here today. Air. Allum: It is fair that you answer my question. Air. Goldstine admitted that the board had not previously been ipproached, but that figures had been obtained from two members. Air. M. J. Coyle: Which two? Mr. Goldstine: Air. Alorton and Mr Potter; but we were not in a positio* to know* whether their figures were correct. Mr. Allum: Was not the proper method first to address a communication to the board? Air. Goldstine: 1 say definitely no We desire an independent investigation. Air. Allum: Do you accept the rtports of the Government auditor? Air. Goldstine: We have not yet see* them. Mr. Allum: But do you accept them? “WANT TO KNOW LOSSES” Air. Goldstine: They will not help u> —we want to know the losses. The chairman then quoted from a letter from the Government Audit Department stating that the scope of the audit extended beyond only receipts and expenditure. “Now do you accept the Gcvernuient figures?” asked Air. Allum. “They are not sufficient,” Mr. Goldstine maintained. Mr. Allum: I am sorry you do not accept the Government auditors statement. To Air. E. J. Phelan, the Alayor of Newmarket said he questijned the board’s position in view of the conflicting figures supplied to the confeience. Mr. Phelan: You are not prepared to take the board’s officers as experts. All. Donaldson: Well, we can’t say the board’s figures are wrong, but we feel that an investigation would allay publ c unrest. All. Allum: The charge is made that the board is presenting differing sets of figures? ) Air. Goldstine: I don’t like that word 1 “charge.” • 1 Mr. Allum: You are prepared . accept the board’s figures? 1 Air. Goldstine: We are not. 3 wan: an independent inves .igavioa. Air. Phelan: Are these sets of figures the cause of the dissatisfaction'' Mr. Donaldson: No: the figures have 7 only intensified the feeling. 0 Air. Allum: Why have the -• named in the resolution been select'- 1 to investigate? Mr*. Goldstine: As mover. 1 propos- 1 (, them —they were the first three wlu 0 occurred to me. 6 Although Air. Allum gave his assurance that any figures supplied by tM j} board would be authentic, Mr. GoU--0 stino persisted that he would w ' 0 happier if an investigation were P* * 0 mitted. In reply to the chairman, • 0 Golc stine said the local bodies we: e - “most definitely and assuredly” out <o assist the board. . . Al ter a short debate the request * refe *red to the board -in-committee <■' further consideration.