CHANGED HIS MIND

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 181, 18 August 1937, Page 5

CHANGED HIS MIND

x— Press "Association.

^ . ■ t Chairman Who Refused toi Resign HEATED DISCUSSION

Bv Teleeraul

CEHRISTOHURCH, This Day. The nnusual spectacle of a member proposing and then pntting to the meeting a motion of no-confidence in the chairman was witnessed at to-day' a meeting of the C'anterbury Education Board. Strong criticism was levelled at the chairman, Mr J. B.. Preen, for his decision to retain office for a second period of 12 months, but Mr Preen refused to change his mind. Discussion was at times heated, three members— Messrs C. S. Thompson, G. W. Armitage and W. A. Banks — contending that when. Mr Preen took office 12 months ago he gave an understanding to submit his name to the ballot if he decided to seek re-election nnder the Act. The chairman was elected for two years. After cal'iing the meeting to order, Mr Preen called for nominatjona for the appointments committee. Mr Thompson moved that the secretary should take the chair and that the election of chairman he proceeded with. "I hold that the motion is out o| order," said the chairman. Mr Thompson moved that the chairman's ruling should he disagreed with, "It's an absurd- point," Mr Preen observed. "The chairman is elected to hold office for two years. It is his prerogative to deeide whether he will xetire at the end of 12 months or whether lie retains office, In this case I tam not going to retire." • "I am sorry the chairman of Jbhe board has broken his promise," said Mr W. A. Banks. "I think you have the law on your side, but on the other side ...... perhaps it is heibter iiot to say anything. Mr Thompson: I move a vote of noconfidence in the chairma n. I ' also understood that he gave that promise, The motion of no-confidence was seoonded- by Mr Armitage. "I cannot take the motion, and I rule it out of order," said Mr Preen. There was a dramatie moment when Mr Thompson xose &ud put ihe motion no-confidence. "All in favour?" he asked, "Aye," said Mr Armitage. "The only thing that has happened ia that I have changed my mind,' and some of you know why," remarked Mr Preen. "I don't want to have anything to do with a man who breaks his word," said Mr Thompson a little later. Mr Armitage : I am in the same position. The board proceeded to appoint its standing committees.