OBJECTION TO PETITION

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1931, Page 9

OBJECTION TO PETITION

POWER BOARD CHAIRMAN ANNOYED ‘SLIGHT ON PATEA COUNTY CLERK.' Advice of a delay in the presentation of the petition of the ratepayers in the South Taranaki Power Board outer area to be included in the inner area was received by the board last night from Mr. F. W. Furkert, engineer-in-chief < f the Public Works Department. It was hoped to have the position made clear by Tuesday. The documents had been examined and appeared to be in order, wrote Mr. Furkert, but he had received a letter from R. R. Scott, solicitor, Wellington, stating the latter was informed on good authority that certain of the signatories were not ratepayers and that the declaration of the county clerk at Patea was not correct. Mr. Furkert therefore asked for a short delay to enable him to have the whole of the signatories checked; and in view of the apparent certainty with which Mr. Scott made his allegation it had been decided to allow him ten days from January 10 in which to formulate his objections. The necessary proclamation was being drafted in the meantime so that there might be no delay once the object was disposed of. Air. J. B. Murdoch, chairman of the board, said Mr. Scott was a solicitor Who had been employed by objectors to the outer area petition. The chairman felt strongly on what he considered a slight on the Patea county clerk. The latter had made a declaration which was really on oath. If it were proved that the declarations were wrong the petition might be upset though ho was sure they would still have the required number on the petition. “I do not think we need reply to such a letter,” said Mr. Murdoch. “If there is anything in the objection, we can do so.” The letter was received.