WAITARA HARBOUR BOARD

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1744, 8 May 1913, Page 6

WAITARA HARBOUR BOARD

AN ACRIMONIOUS DISCUSSION. . (From Our Own Correspondent.) Waitara, May 7. At the first meeting 4 of the liewl}'-ek-cted Waitara Harbour Board, an acrimonious discussion took place with regard to Mr. W. T\ Jennings's position on tho board. AVlien nominations for the position of chairman were called, Mr, Ifine moved the adjournment of the meeting until Tuesday, May 13. Mr. Hiue stated that he hail legal advice to the effect that Mr.. Jennings's seat was vacant by reason of his illegal appointment, and such being Hie case, he (Mr. Hinc) considered that/it was the proper course to adjourn until the position was clear. He could not conceive oi any. gentleman accepting ■tlio position of chairman unless Ifs was assured of, the confidence iind support of a majority of the board) and as the board was not fully constituted, such assurance could not bo given. The ensuing discussion disclosed considerable difference of opinion, and Mr. Jennings stated that as far as he was concerned he was u member of the board until his appointment was cancelled, and ho claimed that right. Ho was guided by legal advice. There followed a few passages at arms, in the courso of which Mr. Jennings announced emphatically that he intended to hold his seat until liis appointment was revoked, and Mr. Ilino asserted that he believed the constitution of the board would be different so far as the Government nominee was concerned. Tho latter eutered a formal protest against Mr. Jenning's sitting as a member. He concluded by saying that he and his colleagues would take no further part in the meeting. Messrs. Hine. Vaughan, and Ogle then walked out of the room, '.Hie election of chairman proceeded, Mr. Jennings being successful: In acknowledging the compliment, the chairman said that he anticipated plenty.of trouble ahead, but his opponents could take it from him that they would get all they wanted. The board recommended the appointment of Mr. A. H. Halconibo as Government nominee.