INTERESTED PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20167, 8 June 1928, Page 7

INTERESTED PARTY

WELLINGTON DRAINAGE LOAN MAYOR AS PROPERTY OWNER. [Per Prvst AMociation. j WELLINGTON, June 7. A statement to the etfect tliat the Mayor of Wellington was financially interested in land affected by the proposed loan of £IUO,UOO for drainage works, fas made by Nr T. W. McDonald, of the Vigilance Committee, when he was giving evidence before the special committee of the Board of HeaitU to-day. The city solicitor demanded that the works, was made by Mr T. W. Me Donment not privileged and subject to the law of slander. Mr McDonald had no objection and went on to say that it was proposed to include in the scheme the Highbury Estate. He had searched the title and had found that the Mayor was one of the owners of a big portion of the estate, which, way to be drained. The city solicitor indignantly defended the Mayor, who, he said, two days ago knew nothing about the position. When he /earned that Mr McDonald was going to attack him he said he was quite prepared to sell his interest for 135 U. Mr McDonald sai.l he was prepared to accept that. Other speakers deprecated any attempt to introduce personal matters or any suggestion that men entering public life must give up private properties. Mr McDonald said he had never suggested that the Mayor had brought influence to bear in the matter, but the ratepayers had. a right .o know about these things. He had not suggested any improper action by the Mayor. The committee then resumed ordinary proceedings.