TROUBLE IN HUTT COUNCIL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1659, 28 January 1913, Page 9

TROUBLE IN HUTT COUNCIL.

CR. BALLS' CHARGES. CAN HE MAKE THEM GOOD? After ordinary business had concluded at the Jlutt Borough Council meeting last evening, Councillor Ball (who had addressed a pnblio meeting at Alicetown on Friday night, nt which, he slated that attempts-hud-been'made to "liny" h:m, but "his price was too high," and further, that there was some "wire-pulling" on the council), said that ho was not referring to any momber of tho present council nor any of its staff. ' Tho Mayor then stated that if Councillor Ball.had not brought this matter up ho had intended to do so. In regard to the "bribery" chargo it did not . matter whether those who made Suoli allegations were ratepayers or thing ought to bo mado public. The Mayor then read portions of Councillor Ball's speech, and pointed out that a rcileotion had boon cast on the wholo council. ■. Tho wire-pulling t allegation would- suggest that someone . was bringing 'improper pressure to bear in the direction of expenditure. . , Councillor Ball i I do not intend to give an explanation to-uiglit ; you aro only trying to draw mo.out. <. ■ -The Mayor: X am not trying to draw you'out, .but I say if, these charges. aro true then you should make it public. I would not sit on ft council if it were proved that some of them stooped to wirepulling and bribery,' and, as a matter of fairness, the position should be mado perfectly clear.

' councillor Ulendon: it is a reflection on tho wholo council,. (Hear, hear.) Proceeding,, the Mayor' stated that if Councillor Hall could' not substantiate what ho had said then he should withdraw his remarks.

.Councillor Dawson suggested that ConnOillor Ball should be given time to think tlio. mattei 1 ■ over. He might then give an explanation. The Mayor': It is not my desiro to wake capital out-of this; but an explanation should bo '• given at once—hot necessarily at tliig meeting, bat at the next. 1 . There was nobody on tho council (added the Mayor) who would not court the fullest inquiry if the alleged charges were correct. Tho instances should be mentioned and an extiauitivo Inquiry made.: 110 could sco no other way out of the matMr but for Councillor Ball to explain. Councillor Hall replied that he would Hot go into; tho question at all, as tho tlmo'was not opportune. "You seem to bo-making o mountain out of a molehill," he continued, "but I will say that I did not intend to Cast any reflection on the present council." The Mayor reaffirmed that ho must ask Councillor Ball to give an explanation. Councillor Ball: X Jiitv© a reason for not going/on. •' ' The, Mayor: ;But this is a matter that jvants feeing to. at once. ; / ■ Councillor Hobbs remarked that it was a cowardly thing -for a' couueillor to niakp a publio statement and then not substantiate it. • •"•••••r Couneillor : Kempthomo then moved : II t <>utlc '" or ' -Bali give an cxplanation next meeting."' This was car-

■ Subsequently Councillor Ball told d reporter that' he would not giro the explanation tequired before next meeting.