WAIMANA DISPUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 22, 27 February 1942, Page 5

WAIMANA DISPUTE

FURTHER LETTER TO COUNCIL APPEAL FOR SETTLEMENT Once more a letter over the signature of G. Kirkbride was tabled at a meeting of the Whakatane County Council when on Tuesday the writer stated that following an editorial in the BEACON he had been informed' that the chairman of the council had said that a settlement of the dispute would be welcomed. In view of this he asked that a full report on the position to be obtained from an unbiased person and the matter be settled. His letter continued to make allegations against the riding member for Wainiana, Cr R. F. Wardlaw. The chairman stated that he had made the statement that a settlement would be welcomed. The council had at one time attempted arbitration but without success, Mr H. A. Wardlaw refusing to arbitrate, holding the council to the undertaking it had given him. Cr W. A. McCrackcn pointed out that the dispute over the unt'enced road could be settled by Mr Kirkbride who merely required to obtain five ratepayers' signatures to a petition and appeal to the Court of Law. That was simple enough. The council had made an arrangement with Mr Wardlaw and should stand by it unless it was altered by tlie Magistrate. He added that all would welcome a settlement of the dispute. It was stated that Mr Kirkbride did not consider that it was his obligation to go to the expense of a Court action. The chairman stated that Mr Kirkbride alleged that the council had made an error. If so it had been made in good faith. Cr C. T. Smith considered that Hie council had gone to, its limit in the matter. It would be willing to meet and co-operate in, the matter but it was for the parties concerned to find a solution. A petition to the Magistrate's Court would decide the issue. It was drawn to the chairman's attention that a motion had been passed at the last meeting to* the effect that until M.r Wardlaw substantiated or withdrew his allegations made against the riding member no further letters from him be received, and it was decided to*' close the discussion and notify the correspondent to that effect.