COUNCIL DELIBERATIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2520, 5 June 1909, Page 6

COUNCIL DELIBERATIONS.

[To the Editor.] Sir,—ln reference to your sub-leader in this, morning’s paper under the title “Committee Work” it appears as a condemnation of the tactics adopted by the,('present Council in their recent 'deliberations on the sewerage scheme, q think, however, “the end justifies trie ■means”—viz., “unanimity.” As a necessary conclusion to the successful acceptance of our loan proposals I would therefore, ask you to accept my assurance when I say that in advocating this line of procedure the Council as a whole had no wish to deny the public any information to which they had a right, or tho press the motives, which actuated their conclusions, and in proof Of the wisdom of such a course may J •ask where, in the history of the Council’s past proceedings, has such a satisfactory conclusion to a vital question 'been arrived at- by deliberation in open Council? Experience has amply shown us that hitherto such deliberations have been made the occasion for obstinate, resistance, party scheming, and personal reflection, ending in disaster both fto the scheme and to the individuals under the guillotine of tho pub.ic poll* 'depriving, as it has done, the ratepayers of this town of the services of their best and most able legislators. It T may venture to say, without offence, ■l think a certain section of the press has not been altogether blameless m brin°"i.n°' about such a result. If, therefore, in the future, councillors err m the direction of cautious tactics, to insure the best results in their deliberations, I would respectfully-claim your protection rather than your censure on their behalf; protection from “Press Association Telegrams” mimicablo to harmony and censure for legislative tactics undertaken in the very best interests of those whom they represent.—l am ’ €tC '’ JAMES C. COLLINS. June 4th, 1909. , . [By stating that “the end justifies the means” Dr Collins virtually apologises for the course of action which we condemned.-—Ed. “G.T.”]