CR. BALL'S CHARGES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1671, 11 February 1913, Page 8

CR. BALL'S CHARGES.

I AT ALICETOWN:

CENSURED BY. HUTT COUNCIL,

At kst evenings' meeting of the Lower Hutt Borough Council, Councillor John ni?iii» W '""de, certain allegations at' a public mcctmg in Alicetown some tinia og°, wrote stating that,he was not prepared to substantiate, the charges, but, when tho time was opportune, he would givo n full explanation. ~ !' e , Mayor (Mr. E. P. Bunny) stated that he very much regretted that Councillor Ball had not taken one of two courses—either to substantiate or to withdraw. ; No councillor had a right to go to public meetings making charges and then, when challenged, t<) decline to givo an explanation. .He would, therefore, move with regret :-"That, Councillor Ball in making charges of 'wire-pulling' and attempts at bribery on the part or some person or persons unknown (whom he refuses to disclose), merits and receives the censure of this council." . Councillors Kempthorno seconded the motion. ' • - Councillor ..Ball asked what authority the Mayor had' to move such a motion. The Mayor replied that it was a power which 'inherehtly belonged to the council if, in their opinion, ■'tho matter warranted such action. .. . Councillor Ball : But, if you move this motion, you defy the standing orders/ . Tho Mayor: Pardon me, I will put'the. motion! Will you kindly resume your seat, Councillor Ball I. Councillor Ball: (heatedly): You will at least allow me'> to,-pdint out that -'the standing orders do not ask for any speci,fied time for a report in these matters. I do not wish' to rob your Worship of the pleasure of putting this , motion—- . ; : The. Mayor: I . assure . you< it" is... no pleasure; Councillor/ Ball I .1 • Councillor Ball: The standing orders do not mention any tinie'in .which a report must be given. "I can assure you that it is not my "fault that the allegations cannot be- substantiatod at .present., Councillor Clendon: Then why make these cliargos? ' It is not fair! • Councillor Ball: I'll leave that to the electors. I move: 'That this motion bo referred; to the municipal solicitor for an opinion." ■ /The Mayor: I cannot, allow-that motion, Councillor Ball is an interested party. . Couficillpr Ball: Then. I ask'some member of,the council to move-it. ' : , Councillor Ball then: interrupted, and was.asked to resume his.seat. He ejacu\lated: "I want a 'fair'hearing." The Mayor: You liavo had two weeks in which to give an: explanation. Surely i that is fair' play /enough! Councillor ' Hodsins: Might I suggest, to Councillor\J3all that lie givo a confidential report' to the Mayor. ' .'. Councillor Ball: No, no'. I won't, after what has trartspired. t'„ i Councillor, Ball, again interrupted; and was spoken, to by tho Mayor. He repeatedly asked far "fair play.", On the motion being put, it was, carried n«nnimously. . , Councillor Dawson asked. if the proof of these allegations would be supplied to the ,-present council. ,' •• Councillor 'Ball: ! I say after what lros transpired, and this vote of censure, emphatically '-No." I will' make my statement to the ratepayers. •. , '.