THE PRINCE’S VISIT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16470, 5 July 1921, Page 6

THE PRINCE’S VISIT.

THE ENTERTAINMENT DEFICIT.

MAYOR’S HONOUR DEFENDED.

Another echo of the Prince of Wales’s visit, arising out of the last meeting of the City Council, when a deficit of £651 was disclosed in the Entertainment Committee’s balance-sheet, was sounded in the City Council last nieht. The Electricitv Committee, to which the matter of its unpaid account had been referred, reported as follows:

“The committee is of opinion that, a tradino- concern, the electrical scheme should not be called unon to carry the deficit. The committee, in view of the unsatisfactory financial position of the Ehtertainment Committee, is willing to forgo the estimated profit of £75 and rebate the current account of £125, making a total of £200.”

“In regard to this matter,” sasd Councillor J. A. Flesher, chairman of the Finance Committee, addressing the Mayor, ‘ * I feel it is only right that I should make a public statement. All sorts of cruel rumours have been spread around the city concerning yourself, particularly in connection with functions concerning the Prince of Wales. I have been asked the question in many directions as to whether any part of the expenditure of the Royal Reception Committee had relation to the children’s ball, which you so generously gave to the children of this citv and whether the presentation of a rrold watch which you gave to Mr Beanland. then a councillor, came out of the funds of the committee.” “ T have never heard the tion.” interjected Councillor D. G. Sullivan.

“ Yes, all over the citv.” said several councillors.

“ All over the city,” repeated the Mayor, sotto voce. “ I want to make this nublic statement.” continued Councillor Flesher. “that not a penny of expenditure other than was properlv chargeable to the committee was included in the account. The whole cost of the function vou gave to tho children of the city was borne bv '’ourself, and also the cost of that presentation watch to Mr Beanland. I hone we shall hear no more of these silly rumours spread around the citv. It was also stated that this was a reason for the attitude vou took up at the last council meeting. There is no foundation for the suggestion.” “ I thank vou for that statement.” said the Mavor, when Councillor Flasher sat down. The report of the committee was adopted without discussion.