R.S.A. WRANGLE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 144, 13 March 1920, Page 8

R.S.A. WRANGLE

"UNFAIR AND INCONSISTENT"

A CHARGE AND A WITH-

DRAWAL

A heated dispute held up the business of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association at a general meeting in the Concert Chamber last night. Mr. J D, Harpor was in the chair, and about fifty members were present.

Mr. A. B. Sievwright moved to rescind a motion carried at the previous meeting. This motion had recorded an opinion that newspaper correspondence by individual members on association affairs was undesirable. Tho chairman ruled that notice must be given before a j rescinding motion could bo moved. Mr. Sievwright dissented from the ruling, and moved that it should be disagreed with. The. meeting uphold the ruling. Mt. Sievwright then remarked that the ruling was "inconsistent and unfair." He was directed by the chairman to withdraw the words, and refused to do so. Mr. A. Curtayne moved that if Mr. Sievwright refused to withdraw the reflection on tho chairman he should be asked to leave the meeting.

Mr. Sievwright declared his willingness to obey the chairman, but proceeded to repeat the objectionable words. A wordy wrangle followed, the chairman's appeals. for order being disregarded l>y some members. Many points of order were raised, and personal explanations made. Mr. C. W. Batten remarked that the meeting of * tlici association were degenerating into, a disgrace to tho organisation. Other members supported this view, and suggested that the small attendance lit tfte meeting was the result of disorderly proceedings on earlier occasions. , .

A motion: "That-Mr. Curtayne's motion be now put," was defeated by 29 votes to 22. After further rather disorderly discussion, Mr. M'Kenzie moved thajt tlie meeting should proceed to the next business. Sir. Curtayne objected to this motion. The meeting must uphold the chairman, who had been accused of being "inconsistent and unfair."

Mr. W. • Badger -said that the ing of the amendment would be a reflection upon the chair. The meeting was being shown what one man, could do tn break up the association. ; Mr. Siwwrighi; demanded a withdrawal of this remark.

The chairman: ,No nam® was men. tioned. r

After' further debate Mr. Sievwright stated that he had no quarrel with individuals in the U.S.A. His- efforts had been to assist the returned soldiers. His remark had been weighed earefmly._ Tf the word "unfair" had been taken in a personal sonse, he would withdraw it. He stood by the word "inconsistent:" since at an earlier meeting the chairman had allowed a resolution to be rescinded without' notice. \

The mover of the moticn referred to explained that hp had given notice of it The matter «as allowed to drop.'