LABOUR DIVIDED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19152, 8 November 1927, Page 7

LABOUR DIVIDED.

COUNCIL DISPUTE. WARM EXCHANGES OVER MUNICIPALISATION. Last evening's debate on tee question. of the milk supply at tne City Council meeting revealed serious differences in the ranks of the Labour councillors, and was productive of a breeze between Crs. D. Or. Sullivan and G. Manning, which was probably only prevented from developing into a gale bv the loud and peremptory ringing of the Mayor's bell. Cr. Manning, during the discussion, had been vcrv critical or the attitude of Cr. Sullivan towards municipalisation. In the course of the debate Cr. M. E. Lyons had claimed that Cr. H. T. Armstrong had taken up the same attitude as Cr. Sullivan, and Cr. Manningsupported this view. When Cr. Sullivan had an opportunity to reply he said: "'To Cr. Manning J would say I have been long enough in public life and the Labour Party to know it is best to trust to my own judgment." Cr. Sullivan went 011 to refer to Cr. Manning's "frothy sentiments and multitude of words."

The latter interjected frequently, and then jumped to his feet.

"You'll listen to me without interrupting, as any public man should do." said Cr. Sullivan. "I have advocated municipalisation before Cr. Manning, aiul I don't want any lecture from him. I am sorry Cr. Armstrong is not here. He would have chewed Cr. Manning up, and quite deservedly." It was not right that a man who had done such service for the Labour Party should bs criticised in this fashion. Cr. Manning: I rise to a point, of order, your Worship, as to whether any councillor is not entitled to express himself in that way when there is a disagreement on questions of principle. The Mayor said he thought Cr, Sullivan was in order. Cr. Manning showing no disposition to resume his seat, the Mayor rang his bell loudly and order was restored.

Later Cr. Manning withdrew what he had said. He recognised the work of Crs. Sullivan and Armstrong, he said, but he disagreed with their views on the milk supply.