CITY OF WANGANUI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 99, 30 April 1935, Page 6

CITY OF WANGANUI

SEVEN CLEAR FACTS THE DEPUTY-MAYOR SPEAKS OUT FINANCES BETTER TO-DAY Speaking at Gonville last night, the Deputy-Mayor, Mr J. Siddells quoted seven facts regarding recent administration of the city’s finances, and sought to show that during the past four years, under the leadership of Mr N. G. Armstrong, the city’s finances had improved. In view of the fact that Mr Siddells topped the poll at the last election .is an independent candidate, and because Mr W. M. Falconer has announced his intention of largely carrying on the policy of Mr Armstrong, Mr Siddells’ criticism is of great public interest. “The famous writer Charles Dickens in his book ‘Hard Times’ began with these words,” he said. “ “What I want is facts. Teavh boys and girls nothing but facts. Facts alone are wanted in life.’ Charles Dickens,” Mr Siddells proceeded, “was a very wise man. We all know that one cannot juggle away facts and I propose in a few words to quote seven. I am well aware that some people will attempt to show that they are. not facts or misconstrue their meaning. Here they are: —

Fact 1. —The city’s finances are now in a better position than they were four years ago. Fact 2.—The rate •collected last vear was £25,0007 less than four years ago. Fact 3.—1 have already written in press that during Mr Rogers’ term rates were reduced by £5,478. (Note: I am always fair and give credit where credit is due). Fact 4. —In .1931-32 interest and sinking fund absorbed £78,561 annually. Bv 1934-35 this was reduced to £67,238. a. saving of £11,323 brought about by conversion of loans to a lower rate of interest. This matter has not been mentioned by the other side. It is important, and in fairness I show it. Fact 5. — During Air Rogers’ four years of office £149.625 was spent in works, services and reserves. During Mr Armmstrong’s four years, the amount was £95,358 —£54,267 less. Fact 6. —During Mr Rogers’ four years loan money amounting to £51,400 was spent. During Mr Armstrong’s four years the amount was £999. I mention these facts as a lot is being said about the retirement of 15 workmen. How, ]’ ask, could the council avoid putting men off’ Fact 7. —I am independent of Mr Falconer, Mr Rogers, or anv imaginary body of financial magnets as depicted by Cr. Scott in his amusing burlesque speech last Wednesday. “Now why are the T.abour Party candidates so eager to discredit me, as thev did at St. Paul's Ball last Wednesday night ? Is it because I quote, facts and nothing but facts? They resent what I said at Keith Street about the financial position of the C tv Council. Tn no way do they at i enipt to denv the facts, but in the hope of belittling the council’s actions.'rhey talk of economy being carried out. at the price of malnutrition. What, utter rot. No one knows better than Mr Rogers that the council has nothing whatever to do with the spending power of the people. Its functions are laid down by law, and same cannot he deviated from in the slightest degree. So what sense is there in arguing about what, ought, to be done Everyone deplores that there should be cases of malnutrition, hut if one is to believe the press, the same is not unknown in Christchurch where Labour rules. I cannot understand why men should misconstrue the actions of their opponents. I venture Io say that, in the mind of any man. orher than one who was extremely '/.illow and one-eyed, there would be, some action, of his opponent that, was not altogether bad. Yet we find a certain gentleman vilifying everything done by the men who cannot see affairs through his eyes. No doubt he. is well satisfied with himself, so why worry? “We are told about the Mayor refusing to listen to a deputation, but the speaker did not say that Ur, Falconer, myself and other councillors listened and spoke to that deputation. Oh no, that would be playing the game, and that cannot be done in some circles. Why w-asn’t Cr. Scott fair?” Mr Siddells asked. “Why couldn't he have said that Cr. Falconer, some

other councillors and myself stayed and listened to those unemployed. This is what we read in the paper ou the morning after that deputation was heard: — ‘Speaking as a private citizen I have every sympathy with the unemployed,’ said Cr. Falconer. ‘1 claim to have a very close knowledge o£ them, as I have been nursing two or three of them for some time. As an individual I will do my best to help in any way 1 can. But ihe City Council cannot do much. Jt is not an all-powerful body and its funds are limited. Although other councils have tarried resolutions about allocations they don’t get anywhere. This is a matter for the representatives of the, people, in Parliament', not for the City Council. Jf you hold your indignation meeting, personally, 1 will support it, for I feel that the Government of the country has handled this matter in a clumsy way. The remedy lies not with the City Council. Its powers are limited, its funds are limited. The best thing you can do is c.arrv on and hold your meeting.’—(Extract from. Wanganui “Chronicle,” 9th. August, 1933). “The relief workers have neeri told that, I voted against one penny per yard increase being paid to them at the airport,” Air Siddells proceeded. “I give this a direct lie. Cr. Falconer and I voted for it, and it was carried. The engineer, Mr Row, had recommended the increase.

“With reference to the cut in wages and salaries. I have already said in open council that when the Government acted I would follow. The Government has restored 5 per cent., and if I am elected I will carrvout what I have said. I stated at Keith Street, that it was the perogative of the people to elect the Afayoi and it is the fun'cticrn of councillors vou elect to assist him in governing wiselv to the best of their judgment. If I am elected, and whether it is Mr Falconer or Mr Rogers, I will assist in every way possible, reserving the right to act in the best interests of the people. T am contesting a seat on the Harbour Board, and can only say that, if

elected, I will give of my best. One can sav no more. On Thursday last I was told that the Labour, chaps ‘cleaned me up.’ My reply is that thev have trot to do it on the Sth. Alay and that is in your hands, and I am. confident of the result.” (Appla use). ,