"In Old Otaki."

Horowhenua Chronicle, 15 June 1911, Page 3

"In Old Otaki."

BOWLERS PIHAGHEK ("Otaki .Mail"). A most disgraceful "scone" jc- | curred at tilo annual general meetI ing of tlie Otaki Howling CLub, lield on Monday night last at the Druids' Kail. On being asked to take tlio office of secretary of tlie Club, Mr A. J. S. Thompson referred to tlie- lack of harmony that prevailed among the Club members, and urged that bowlers sink their petty grievances, Mid work together harmoniously. On Mr Thompson taking his seat, the Chairman (Mi- Monekton, latlo President of tlio club), announced Ms determination* of handing in his resignation, and that of his wife, as .members of the club. Ho .stated that he had been grossly insulted on the bowling green during the season by a certain member, and in all his wide experience of societies and clubs, Otaki was the only place where lie had been subjected 1 to such nn< gentlemanly treatment. Mr Monekton -thereupon left the chad r. This brought Mr Byron Brown to his feet. He asked' Mr Monekton to name tlie offending member, and Mr Monekton replied that is was Mr Brown himself. Thiis led to a painfuj scene. Mr Brown absolutely denied Mr Monekton's accusation. He solemnly declared lie lhad never linsnlted Mr Monekton or Mrs Monekton otn the "bowling green on any occasion, and asked l Mr Monekton ito state the specific nature of his charge, and' substantiate it. Mr Monekton declined to m into details, adding that the whole matter would be ventilated in the Supreme Court, Mt Btotvji thereupon declared' that

the accusation, was a lie, and t!he person who used it'was a liar. Mr O'Rourke urged that Mr Monckton ronld not make serious dharges Against Mr- Brown, «ns he liacF done, without going ftirth<pn\ Surely Mr Monckton ( could name one oilier* person who witflessecl this offence, which was supposed to have occim'cd on the bowling green im the.presence of a. number !of people. Mr Monckton moved towards the door, but. Mr Brown diviiinatiwilly blocked the passage, and declared lie would not 'allow Mr Mondcbon to leave the building till hi© proved has charge, or apologised. After some further passages between the two, Mr. Brown called Mr Monckton "a our," wherempon tihe latter promptly struck Mr Brown on the* face. Those present separated the two, and prevented further blows. After n time Mr W. H. Sim cos was voted to the chair, and the business was proceeded with. At the .dose or* the meeting, Mr Brown reiterated his denial of having .committed any offence whatever against Mr or Mrs Monclcton.