- 2.

discovered the Source. of the problem was an extrene backlojs
of work resulting from. the strike. The only connection
between the two matters is that in the course of completa
work for Messrs. Lee and Melnechenko, Mr. Peters happened to
Observe one of the missing goods in their office. This
Purely fortuitous clrcumstance is hardly the foundation of

the kind of sinister plot alleged.

Mr. Rankin alleges in his column of May 26th, 1981, that the
Plan holder was added to the list of missing; goods only
after Y Peter's visit offices of Lee and

Melnechenka. This is untrue.

It has been Suggested that a more appropriate action would
have been a telephone call to Messrs. Lee and Melnechenko.
il should have been
In fact, the investi-~

no one be

gating
It would

informed pending
not have been
interfere with the police in

instructions. for the.
formation of. administration of City

affairs. @ not appropriate in these circun-
consulted.

Finally, our reference to the return of the goods. is nos. a
"clumsy effort to Silence Messrs. Lee and Melnechenko". In
fact goods valued at 3270 were returned to City Hali. I am:

certainly ‘not in any way embarrassed by this recovery of
taxpayers' property.

/sb