KARORI COUNCIL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1839, 27 August 1913, Page 11

KARORI COUNCIL.

SOME HEATED DISCUSSIONS

Tho business brought before tho ICarori Borough Council last night, though not important in itself, led to somo heated discussions during which the Mayor (Mr. J. Cathie) exchanged somo warm passages with members of the council. Tho following letter was received from Mr. F. S. Hoy, secretary of the Tramway Board: —"1 am directed to inform you that complaints have been received by the board from conductors o-i Karori cars who complain of continual interference when carrying out their duties by. members of your council and the clerk. The board desires to point out that it is only possible for the men to do the work expected of them under one management- and the board respectfully request that in future all requests or advice concerning the duties of these men bo directed to the management apd not to tiie men themselves."

Tlio Mayor remarked that evidently some of them with the best intentions had pointed mistakes ont to the men, and that was resented, so the only thing was to make a formal complaint. If the conductors were going to put up their backs at every friendly suggestion from tho council they would have to reiwrt everything to Mr. Cable. Evidently it was an offence to speak to a conductor.

Councillor Davies thought tliev should not "knuckle under" in such a case whethor it was a "union" caso or not. Tho general public and especially the councillors had a right to point out a mistake.

Councillor Cimino thought there were moro mistakes made along that lino than any other, and that was the reason they were so often pointed out. On several occasions the conductor had asked him if he was issuing tho right ticket.

Councillor Cimino said that it looked as though the conductors could be as insolent as they liked to passengers and tlio latter were unable to reply. Councillor Skegg contended that the tramways belonged to them and the conductors were their employees, so it struck him as insolence to send such a letter. l-To proposed that the clerk write to the Tramway Board and ask for specific cases of interference, so that they could deal with them. Ho was not willing to take such a slap in the faco lying down. Councillor Davies: All the "new chums" aro put on this run. Councillor Bradnock believed that five out, of six conductors on that run would thank them for pointing out their mistakes. The resolution was carried. Tlio Wellington Hockey Association wrote resenting tlio resolution of tho council at their last meeting with regard to the number of hockey matches played at Karori and complaining that the Hockey Association were not keeping to their agreement by playing matches at Wellington.. Councillor Davies did not think it would bo advisable to enter into any further discussion with t'lic Wellington Hockey Association. It was a misunderstanding that the word "championship" covered the principal matches. That council could not be expected to prepare seating accommodation without some definite agreement. After considerable discussion, Councillor Skegg attempted to speak. The Mayor: Will you sit down: I cannot allow this to be discussed again. Councillor Skegg: But, Mr. Mayor Tho Mayor: Sit down! Councillor Skegg: I sit down under protest. Tho Mayor: That letter is written as a knock back to somo young councillors, at his table. Several councillors protested against such a remark, Councillor Skegg pointing out that the letter was a reply to a unanimous resolution of the council. After further heated discussion, during which the Mayor described certain councillors as "wranglers," . his Worship stepped tho debate and no further action was taken. Tho Town Clerk of Wellington (Mr. J. It. Palmer) wrote referring to previous correspondence with respect to tho agreement as to the lighting of the Karori borough streets and asking whether the Karori Council would agree to the agreement being interpreted by tho Supremo Court under tlio Declaratory Judgments Act, each side paying its own costs. The Mayor moved that the letter bo sent to tlicir solicitor for his advice. Councillor Skegg was pleased to see the City Council had moderated their tone as previously their attitude was that they would do nothing. The resolution was agreed to.

It was suggested that application be made -to Mr. Andrew Carnegie for a grant towards a public library, but tlio Mayor pointed out that there were certain conditions attached to the frants whicli Karori was incapable of carrying out. Councillor Davies moved that the council protest against the suggestion in tho Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill regarding tlio election of tho Mayor by tlio council, but that the Mayor should be elected in the same manner as councillors, arc now elected, and that the term for holding office by Mayors should be extended to two years. This was seconded by the Mayor and carried.