“A FARCE.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18584, 3 June 1930, Page 8

“A FARCE.”

COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE DENOUNCED. MR G. MURRAY'S CRITICISM. After the appointment of Messrs C J Talbot. A. F. Campbell, H. H. Fishc and G. Murray, as the Finance Con mittee of the Mackenzie County Com cil, the proceedings of yesterday’s mee* ing of the Council were considerabl enlivened by a statement made by M G. Murray a newly elected member o the Committee, when he denounce the methods adopted by the old con mittee. Mr Murray said that in his opinion the Finance Committee was nothinr more than a farce. “To look through the accounts in half an hour is absolutely ridiculous.” he said, and mort. time and scrutiny should be given.

The chairman (Mr C. J. Talbot), said tl*at Mr Murray had used strong terms, and he greatly resented the imputation or assertion Mr Murray bad made in characterising the Committee as a farce He stated that if the Committee could not satisfactorily dispose of the accounts in half an hour, the chairman of the Committee (Mr A. F. Campbell) saw that the tin"? was extended. He assured the Council that the accounts were closely scrutinised, and sometimes held over for further inquries. He hoped that Mr Murray would find this out when he was associated with th* Committee, and if it was considered that half an hour was not sufficient for the meeting, the time could be extended to an hour. “I resent what Mr Murray has said and I think it rather unfair to criticise when he has not been a member of the Committee,” concluded the chanman.

Mr A. F. Campbell said that much attention was paid to the accounts and Mr Murray, in his criticism, was only guessing. Now that Mr Murray had been appointed to the Committee he might secure a better knowledge of what he, was talking about. “I take exception to a man guessing,” said Mr Campbell. “I suppose Mr Murray thinks we are just country ‘loons,’ who know little about finance as compared with what he knows. I am glad to see that. • he has been added to the Committee.” Mr T. J. Seay: “I am pleased that I have nulled out and given my place to Mr Murray.” Mr W. Scott s"*td he did not wish to associate himself with Mr Murray's strictures, but there was no doubt that the fullest investigations should be made into the accounts. Mr Murray: “I am pleased # to see the stand taken up by Mr Campbell. At last meeting Mr Campbell as much as informed me that the Committee was a farce.” Mr Campbell: “Nothing of the kind. 7 «nd that the Committee could take longer over the meeting if required.” “it has been said that I know nothing about the Finance Committee of the Council. Well, I’ll just bowl you all out. I was the first chairman of the Finance Committee and was the prime mover in having n created.** Mr Cnmnbell: “You don’t know anything about the present Committee.” The chairman: “Address the chair please.” It was unanimously agreed that the Finance Committee now meet at 10 a.m., and that the Council meeting commence at 11 a.m.