INVERCARGILL BOROUGH COUNCIL AGAIN.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2534, 23 May 1882, Page 3

INVERCARGILL BOROUGH COUNCIL AGAIN.

[PBBBI AESOOIATIOK TBLESBAM,] INVBBOARGILL, May 22. An attempt was made at a speoial meeting of the Borough Council to-night for the purpose of taking up the business held over from the previous meeting, to resume the discussion on the £lO note to the licensing committees for the detection of those publicans who supply liquor to “ prohibited " persons.' The first movement made by Or. Finn’s party was to object to the confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting, it being held that they were not a true record, in that it was stated that Cr, Finn’s motion had lapsed for want of a quorum. Ultimately the minutes were passed. The only other business of the previous order paper was two notices of motion, the framer of which was not present to prosecute them. The Mayor therefore, ruled that there was no business before the meeting, and asked for a motion of adjournment. A scene of great confusion followed this announcement, several councillors rising simultaneously, and demanding the authority for his Worship’s ruling, which prohibited Or. Finn’s motion being brought forward. He referred them to clause 38 of the Act, which showed that a debate having been interrupted by want of a quorum might be resumed on notice given. This ha held could not apply to a special meeting of the Council, which this was. Or. Finns’ party contended that it applied to any meeting, and finally, after a very warm discussion, his Worship, who had been considerably badgered with requests to state his authority for his ruling, read the 38th clause the fifth time, and declared that by Parliamentary practice Or, Finn’s motion had lapsed,'and could not be resuscitated except at an ordinary meeting. The motion for adjournment, on being put, led to a scene of great - confusion, several Councillors rising with cries of “ Divide.” His Worship vacated the chair, and a motion was made that Or, Finn take the chair. Ho was proceeding to the dais when his Worship dared him to take the chair, at his peril. He then desisted, and the Council broke up and discussed the matter for some time informally. Or. McDonald meanwhile prepared a protest against the Mayor's ruling, which was signed by several of the Councillors.