A MATTER OF POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 95, 16 January 1920, Page 8

A MATTER OF POLITICS

' 'A' COUNTY EANGER AND THE ELECTIONS. At yesterday's meeting of tho Hutt . County' Council some lively proceedings were occasioned by a petition, signed by twenty residents and ratepayers oi the district, alleging county ranger and assistant road inspector, Mr. 11. Dick, had, during tho election campaign, canvassed in the interests of Labour candidates for the Otaki and Hutt seats, and had acted as poll clerk, or 6crutineer„in tho Upper Hutt polling k° otll ''..,,„ ii. - Councilor Whiteman said he thought that the position of ranger might be filled by a returned soldjer. Councillor Howell said that it was a political matter, and had. nothing to do with the council. He thought the matter should be dropped. • Councillor Welch alleged that the ranger had spoken to several residents on the subject of their political leanings. This, ho considered, was not right. - Tho chairman (Mr. 'P. Cooper): "Ton told me to vote for Bill Massey.(Laughter.) Councillor Welch said that that was' not the case. ■ The chairman said he Was going to vote for Mr. Massey. Councillor Galloway thought that Mr. Dick had exceeded- his duty. Being an employee of the council, Mr. Dick should have got leave to act as poll clerk. . Councillor Howell said tho ranger had made a slight mistake in not getting leave. The chairman: If Mr. Dick had come to me I would have taken the onus of giving him leave for the day. Councillor Howell (continuing), said that he thought that Mr. Dick should not havo to answer the charges made against him. He moved that the petition ami correspondence be received. Councillor Whiteman thought that, as there had been a number of charges against the ranger, he should be allowed to Teply. Councillor Howell: It would be belittling to the council,to listen to tho charges. If the ranger had been canvassing for Mr. Massey there would havo been no trouble about it. Councillor Whiteman: V we do not take some action now thero is nothing to .stop, the Tanger going for a picnic any day 'he likes. ■ ■••The chairman: Oh! That's-very childish, Councillor. Whiteman. Councillor Whiteman moved that the ranger be given a month's notice, and applications' bo called for tho position from returned soldiers.

Councillor" Cavanagh moved that Mr. Dick should bo heard.

At this stago there was a heated discussion between several of the councillors, and the chairman had to call them to order—

„ Councillor' Galloway said he thought Mr. r Dick" should be heard.

Councilor-Howell objected to this, but on the motion being put to the council it was carried. '

-Sir.' Dicfi said he had not canvassed the district for the "Bed Feds." He had been ask'ed to act as poll clerk, and, after some hesitation, he had assented.

One of the councillors asked if he got paid for it. .■-'■'-The-chairman: You bet your lifo! He'd be a fool if he didn't!

"I am not a 'Red Fed.,'" continued Mr. Dick, "and I never will be one." He had -not interfered with anybody in the.county. The. only time he had said -anything about politics was at a public meeting at Upper 7 lutt. Councillor "Welch moved, and Councillor- Howell seconded, that the ranger's explanation be accepted. He was/-a vevy capable man, they-said, but should not 'hitve" acted as poll clerk without permission. ■''The-motion was carried.