A COBDEN COMEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1925, Page 4

A COBDEN COMEDY

SCENE AT MEETING, An infuriated Ranger, shaking bis fi.sit at the Town Clerk, and inviting him to “Come outside,” anil have his nose pulled, was one of the sights seen at tins Cobden Town Board’s monthly squabble, which, occurred on Wednesday evening, says the Grey “Star.” The invitation was not accepted. Tho trouble started when Cr. D. Cochrane asked for the Ranger’s book. The Chairman (Cr. A. G. Gunn) remarked that lie was not in charge of the book. But you are in charge, of the meeting! retimed Cr. Cochrane. the Ranger (Mr D. McLeod) said that over three months ago the book went in to the down Clerk—’ a. line fellow, too,” he said, sarcastically - and lie, had never seen it since. The Town Clerk did not live more than two chains away from him, but bad not returned the book. He could have sent his boy with it- let he (the Ranger) was asked why be had not prosecuted offenders. A\ ithout the book, containing dates and other details, he could not do so. The Chairman said that under such circumstances the Board could not

carry out its resolution to proceed against owners of wandering stock. Cr. W. F. G. Pull in raised the ire of the Ranger by suggesting that a conscientious man would call on the Town Clerk.

I will pull his nose if I call on him, and lie knows it, too! shouted Mr McLeod. I thought he would be a good neighbour, but I know all about him now! The Town Clerk iMr W. R. Moore) heatedly: You pick out a man, and come outside! The Ranger (making for the door) : You come outside, and I’ll take out

my glass eye and put it in my pocket ! Come on fhe challenged, shaking a hefty fist at the Town Clerk, who did not make any forward move. An effort to pour verbal oil on, the troubled waters was made by the Chairman, who said that, the hook should be returned to the Ranger after every monthly mooting. Cr. F. 1.. Turley agreed that the hook should he returned, but expressed (lie opinion that nothing, the Chairman said would make any difference. . . Members knew porlectlv well, K: 'i<l the Chairman, that there was bad feeling between the two men, and they did not want to meet each other. So lar as the Board was concerned, it should see that the book was returned to the Ranger every month. The Town Clerk could send liis hoy with it d ho did not want to take it himself. The private trouble between the men had nothing to do with the Board. Cr. Turlev suggested that the men should leave the district and find a plate where they would not meet. The Banger, whose anger had meanwhile been .simmering, burst out again. Are you willing to conic out? he challenged the Town Clerk. Mr Moore: I only wanted you to say outside in front of a witness that you had not had the hook lor over three months. The Ranger repeated his assertion, and then retired from the scene of battle.

Cr. Cochrane asked what the Board intended to do. The Clerk was working two days per week, and his salary worked out'at £1 3s o’,d and a fraction per day. If he could not deliver! tho hook to the Banger, it was time. Hie Board got another Clerk. “We arc just coming here lot* a. joke, from what I can see of it !” he said: disgustedly. The Chairman: .1 will see that the Banger gets his hook. Are you satisfied with that! J Cr. Cochrane said he was, so long as something was done.