HARBOUR BOARD DISCUSSION

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23083, 23 December 1944, Page 4

HARBOUR BOARD DISCUSSION

Mr Kidd Asks Reason For Secrecy “Purely Legal Grounds,” Says Chairman ‘Ts there any reason why we should discuss these matters in committee?” Mr Peter Kidd asked the chairman (Mr R. S. Goodman) at a meeting of the Timaru Harbour Board yesterday when two items on the agenda paper marked “in committee” came up for consideration. One item concerned a tenant’s lease and the other related to the superannuation payments of an employee of the board. “■Will the chairman make a statement?" persisted Mr Kidd. “It is straight-out board business. Why should it not be discussed in the open?" “Purely on legal grounds," replied Mr Goodman. Mr Kidd: Legal grounds? Mr Goodman: Yes! We will take a vote on whether or not we go into committee. Mr Kidd: The matter has been cooked and hatched by the boards finance committee! I take exception to this

procedure Surely Hie people concerned weald not want the discussion in comini- e-’ The lessees have a right to know tin opinions of board members. Mr Goodman There will not be any difficulties The lessees have been approached amicnlly. ■ It ■ board has nothing to hide, why not discuss the matter in open meeting asked Mr Kidd. He moved that the discussion be held in open board. . We an doing public business, said Mr A F Campbell seconding the motion Will .■■■‘.tempt to hide from tlie public something that they will eventli.i.h come to hear?" Mr W 11 Orbell: I object to that! Mr C impbelT The public are being officially told of very little of our business lately Alter explaining in committee what the boaro. intended to do in the leases. Mi Goodman put the motion to the meeting It was defeated, only Messrs K'dd -.'rd Campbell voting in its favour. Mr W H Hall moved that the board should discuss the subject of the eni- .. x, . in ■■pen meetin-' Mr II H. Howell seconded the motion which was earned on the show of hands