THE FIRE BOARD DISPUTE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16159, 13 March 1918, Page 7

THE FIRE BOARD DISPUTE.

SUPERINTENDENT AND MEMBER. THE LATEST PHASE. The dispute between superintendent Warner, of tho City Fire Brigade, an Mr J. F. Grierson, a member ot tne Board, which has agitated recent moe - ings of the Christchurch Fire Boarif, came up for discussion again at las. evening's meeting of the Board. o Superintendent, it will be remembered, took exception to a- certain remark made by Mr Grierson at a meeting ot the Board, and as the result of the Board deciding upon a certain line ot action, Mr Grierson handed in ri>signatiou as a member of tne Boarct. At its last meeting the Board took no dofinito action in regard to tho resignation. , . j ' Last night the Boaru roceived an apology from Mr Grierson for Ins al> sence from the meeting. Tho chairman (Mr H. Holland) suggested that tho Board should not accent Mr Grierson's resignation, as tho stintr had gone out. of the matter now. The secretary (Mr C. J. Treleaven) stated that from what ho knew. Mr Grierson would not attend any moro meetings of tho Board until the Board dealt with his resignation by either accepting it. nr refusing to do so. Mr 11. R. Rusbridge questioned whether tho Board had power to refuse to accept the resignation. He understood the Board was required to forwnrd it to the Minister.

The secretary said tho Minister would then refer it to the insurance companies. Tho chairman moved that the Board request Mr Grierson to withdraw his resignation. Mr G. J. A. Kerniish raid Mr Grierson had onlv put in his resignation because of the letter "received"' from the Superintendent. That letter had since not been "received" by tho Board. The chairman said they could not grant leave of absence to a person whom they did not know was a member of the Board or not.

Mr H. P. Hopkins said that by forwarding an apology for absence, Mr Griorson considered he wus still a member of tho Board.' Tho secretary pointed out that by adopting tho chairman's motion, tho Board threw tho responsibility upon Mr Grierson. He would either have to withdraw his resignation or adhere to it. The chairman: I don't soo how w<i can give him leave. My suggestion should bo adopted. Mr Hopkins seconded tho motion. The chairman said the carrying of the motion would mean that Mr Grierson would have to make the first move.

Mr Rusbridge said ho would have to oppose the motion. So far as he was concerned thero was no question of personality in the matter, but Mr Grierson could have withdrawn his resignation at any time, and the Board would bo sacrificing its dignity in asking him to do so. Mr Griorson's threat was an attempt to flog tho Board. He would be rein' pleased to hear of Mr Griorson withdrawing his resignation, but he would be no party to asking him to do so. The chairman considered that Mr Grierson had roason to bo annoyed, and to use words ho would not havo used in a calmer mooil. The difficulty had now been removed, but he thought the Board would have been more justified in asking the Superintendent to -withdraw his offensive remarks. Mr Rusbridge contended tfiat if, as the Mayor said, the matter had blown over, then Mr Griorson should have been the first to withdraw his resignation. The motion was carried, the chairman, and Messrs Hopkins and Korruish voting for it, and. Mr Rusbridge against.