PRISONER OF WAR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2823, 14 July 1916, Page 6

PRISONER OF WAR

• LIVELY COUNCIL INTERLUDE. A lively little discussion occurred at the City Council last evening over the following committee recommendation:— "That a request from a prisoner of war on Somes Island to be supplied with certain Italian works be reas the volumes are reference books." Councillor A. I?. Atkinson, who dis. agreed with the recommendation, 6aid that the man's mind was somewhat affected, and it was thought that it would be a good thing to acccde to this request he had made. Councillor J. E. Fitzgerald said that Councillor Atkinson asked that this prisoner of war should get preference over British subjects, and the committee iru determined that he would not. . Wo had only to read how British prisoners were being treated in Germany, out he did not wish to take that view. Councillor Atkinson: You ought'to be ashamed to" mention it. Councillor Fitzgerald said the facta were that it was against the rules of the library to let out the books the mau had asked for. Why should a rule which operated against our own people bo broken in favour of an alien? Cr. Atkinson's attitude reminded him of the attitude of a certain Mr. Atkinson when the Yon Zeidletz case was before the Victoria College Council not very long"ago. Councillor Atkinson disputed the statement regarding the library rule. "Any man," he went on, "with good credentials—" Councillor Fitzgerald: But this man has not good credentials. Councillor Luckie spoke at some length in support of Councillor Fitzgorald's attitude. Councillor Atkinson: Councillor Luclcie lias made an excellent speech, but he voted with me in the committee. The recommendation was adopted.