“THE COUNCIL OF SILENCE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19766, 14 February 1927, Page 6

“THE COUNCIL OF SILENCE”

Sir.' —Mr J. H. Roberts’ letter in your issue of thc 12th inst. should cause a flutter in the dovecote, but the writer misses an important point when he mentions that thc Mayor is spending money like winter, and that is that thc Mayor, without the sanction of the Council, cannot spend la shilling. If they, by their silence, allow him to carry on alone they must shoulder the blame and accept the penalty that will assuredly be meted out to them in April next. Thc Mayor blames past Councils kind puts forward a mass of figures—compiled by whom? I may be pardoned for pointing out that two of the Mayor’s present colleagues, Colincillors C. P. Brown and Luxford, were members of the Council blamed for not doing its duty, and it is passing strange that there is no record of them protesting about the neglect of duty. If they can hold forth evidence let them! The time has arrived when facts must be given to the public. In the public interest, this policy of secrecy must give way to one that is open and above board. • CHAS. WILLIAMS Sir, —Your correspondent in Saturday’s paper has hit on a very appropriate name for the City Council— “A Council of Silence.’’ There is no doubt about it that they are held up to criticism because of their silence, but some of them say: “What’s the use of saying anything?—lt gets vetoed.’’ It must be apparent to anyone that the majority on tho Council will be glad when their term is up, and I think the public too. B. J. ANDERSON.