COUNCILLORS RESIGN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 617, 1 February 1916, Page 5

COUNCILLORS RESIGN.

INCIDENT AT LYTTELTON. I EXCEEDING A STATUTORY LIMIT. A mild sensation was sprung on the Lyttelton Borough Council last evening, when two members of the council tendered their resignations. At the previous meeting of the Lyttelton Borough Council, Cr W. T. Foster asked that a return showing the amounts paid to members of the council should be laid on the table. At last nighl's meeting of the council the Town Clerk furnished the necessary information, which showed that Crs J. T. Norton and F. J. Page had exceeded the amount of £lO allowed under the Municipal Corporation Act by £6 17/2 and £7 19/3 respectively. The mailer was discussed in committee, and during the discussion the two councillors left the room. When they returned to the chamber, they were acquainted with the result. They both resigned from Ihe council, and offered to refund the amounts over £lO. They asked that they might be allowed to make an explanation of their position, and this indulgence was granted. Cr Page said that he sincerely regretted that his firm had exceeded the limit of £lO. Upon examination of his firm's books, he had discovered that il had exceeded the amount by £7 19/3 for goods for which the firm had received payment during the last financial year. The amount of goods supplied during the period had been £lO 0/9. and the remaining £7 18/0 was for goods supplied prior lo this financial year, but which had been paid for during the present year. The position was most unfortunate, and under the circumstances he had no option but to leave the table. He thanked the members for the great courtesy shown him during the past. Cr Norton said he was not aware that he had exceeded the limit until Saturday last, and he had done so quite inadvertently* About four years ago his bread business had become incorporated in the Lyttelton Co-operative Bread Co., which was formed for the purpose of supplying cheap bread to the At the time of the formation of the company he had sought legal advice on the matter as to his or any member of the company seeking municipal honours. He was assured that he did not come within the Act, and on his obtaining a seat on the council he had taken no further steps, thinking all along that he was quite within the Act in supplying the goods. He was told a few days ago that an amendment which had been passed over-rode the Act, and as a consequence he was compelled to resign. Cr Norton thanked the members for the courtesy shown him in the past. With regard to the legislation which was the means of Cr Page's and his own resignations, he believed the Act had defeated its own object. Its operation was unfair, as il allowed a member of a company of 20 members or over, who was not a manager or a director, to do what amount of business he desired with a public body. On the other hand, being connected with a smaller concern, he was debarred from doing business exceeding £5 in any one order, or £lO for the year. He hoped that the Act would be amended and that the resignations would prove a warning to others. There was nothing left for him but !o resign, which he did reluctantly, He hoped that his career as a public man was not ended. In looking back over his period as a councillor he felt that whatever he had done he had always done il in good faith, and always to meet Ihe wishes and for the welfare of the ratepayers. He would not say that he would seek re-election, but he would always be only too pleased to give his assistance at any time it might be required. On the motion of Cr Foster, it was decided to record a hearty vole of thanks to Messrs Page and Norton, for their past services to the town.