COUNCIL AND CANDIDATES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1294, 24 November 1911, Page 6

COUNCIL AND CANDIDATES.

THE USE OF WANGANUI OPERA HOUSE. (By Tclceraph.—Press Association.) Wanganui, November 23. A point of some interest to local bodies owning public halls has arisen hers in connection with the applications of Parliamentary candidates for tho use of the Opera House on tho night before the first ballot. The Borough Council had decided not to let the house on that evening to any individual candidate, but to book it itself, and allow the four candidates to use it conjointly, free of charge, taking it in turns to sneak. Messrs. Mackay (Independent), Veitch (Labour), and Hutchison (Opposition) had already spoken once there, applying for it for one night only. On the occasion of Mr. Hogan's (Government) first application (which was mado after the council had ((eeided as above) he applied for it. not only for his first speech but for the afternoon and-even-ing of the day before tho first ballot, aud for tho evening before the second lwllot, and referred tbo council to the Electoral Act, which states that the first applicant for a publicly-owned hall is to have priority. The council had already booked tho house to a theatrical company for the night before the second ballot, and took up the stand that it (the council), having booked the house for the night btfore tho first ballot, no ono else could oome in. Mr. Hogan, however, in? sts on his claim, and says tho council must bear the responsibility of refusal. Ou looming Mr. D'ogan's attitude Messrs. Veitch and Hutchison also applied for the house for the night before the first ballot, each stating that, if granted, they would invite all other candidates to sharo it with tli.cm, but of the three applicants Mr. Veitch is the only one who Ims complied with the council's rule that a deposit must be paid down. . Mr. Mackay, who is Mavor, has made no application for the night in question. It is stated by Mr. Hogan's friends that, if successful, lie will invile the others to share the house with him. but liis letter to the council gives no indication of this, and lie contents himself by asserting that, as first: applicant (though he has paid no deposit), the house must be booked to him. The council discussed' the matter fullv on Tuesday night, and decided to adhere to its decision, and further developments iiow are awaited with some interest.