“TRUE AND HONEST.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20475, 29 November 1934, Page 9

“TRUE AND HONEST.”

Mayor Defends Council Administration. “HORROR STORIES." Maladministration of City Council funds was strenuoiislv denied by the Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., in an interview this morning when he characterised such allegations as reminiscent of the horrors portrayed in the stories of Edgar Alan Poe. In a leading article in yesterday’s “Star ” it was pointed out that, at the most, specific complaints should be considered, but a general inquiry just now would be a giotesque reflection on a body that has caused little uneasiness in the public mind. “ I like the tone, and appreciate the common sense, displayed in the ‘ Star ’ editorial,” said Mr Sulliva.n. “ The demand for a general municipal inquiry is the most grotesque thing imaginable. How they work this stunt up the Lord only knows. The alleged frightful allegations always remind me of stories out of the pages of Edgar Alan Poe, and those who are making them are afflicted by a kind of nightmare. The council administration is honest and true, and I give it as my straightforward opinion that there is not the slightest truth in any suggestion of maladministration. Dealing With Shadows. “We are told that these frightful allegations are being said on every street corner. But what are these frightful allegations, and who is saying them, and at what street corners? If we get specific allegations against specific persons, and in specific language, with approximate dates, we can then consider the question of an inquiry. But at present we are dealing with shadows.” Mr Sullivan admitted that there had been cases of wrongdoing by individual employees, but from time to time such cases cropped up in all classes of business, whether it was private or public. In every case there had been an investigation by r the Works Committee, and the guilty' party' had been punished. There had been no concealing of the facts. He added that matters of policy were not subjects for an inquiry'. They were thrashed out before the electors and on the floor of the council. The council’s policy was known to every'one. Asked who would pay for an inquiry should it be instituted, Mr Sullivan remarked that the people who wanted the inquiry should pay. “ But who are these people?” he demanded. Such an inquiry* would probably cost hundreds of pounds and was quite unjustified. “ The council administration is as honest and clean a thing as could be found anywhere,” he said.