No One Spoke.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 374, 9 July 1903, Page 5

No One Spoke.

John Barry wa9 Mayor of well, New Zealand, when,/inT* the prosperous times of gold digging, it waa tbe headquarters of the' diggers. He was not a reputable person, but be was muscular, and kept the turbulent population in order. His method of government is illustrated by the following story. He applied to the council for * fortnight's leave of absence that he might visit Dunedin, and it WM granted. He overstayed bis leave, however, and the council, being offended thereby, pissed a vote of censure against him. On arriving ( home, Barry attended the next meeting of the council, over which he presided. The minutes of the previous meeting were read r is whicn occurred the entry : " A vote of censure was passed on the mayor for overstaying his leave." •• Who proposed that vote V demanded tbe mayor. " I did" said a councillor, slsnding wp. John stepped from the president's chair, walked up to the member, and Baying, "Then take that!" felled him to the ground. "Who seconded the resolutioni" asked tbe mayor, resuming bis seat in the chair. No one answered. " Then," said the mayor, •' as there was. no seconder, it's informal. Bf r Olerk, scratch it off the ntinoteflj'-**--* •Punch." *