A LIVELY INCIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1928, Page 1

A LIVELY INCIDENT

MAYOR SENDS’ FOR CONSTABLE.

AUCKLAND, Afay 3i

The air was electric in the usually quiet committee-room of the Auckland City Council this afternoon, when Air J. R. after being asked to leave l>y the' Mayor, refused, saying that the meeting was a public one and that he intended to remain. The Mayor finally sent for the police, but Mr Lundon left quietly before the arrival of a constable. The Council had just concluded its sitting as No. 1 Licensing Authority under the motor regulations, and had dealt with a number of applications for licenses. Apparently there was other business to be considered, because the Mayor called the meeting to order and immediately asked Mr Lundon to leave the room. Air Lundon: I have no intention of doing so. The Mayor: You must leave the room. ,

Air Lundon : You show me your authority. If you have .any, I will do

Councillor Af. J, Bennett had an inspiration and moved that the council should go into committee. Councillor Alurray was immediately on his feet to protest, hut he was not allowed to get very far with his objection, as the Mayor- called him to order.

The .Mayor: This is a purely informal meeting, and nobody has any right here hut councillors. Air Lundon : It is a public meet-

The Alayor: It is not, and you must leave. There will he no business done until you do.

Alv Lundon: With all due respect to the council, T refuse *to leave. It is a public meeting. The Mayor: I’ll see that you do leavg. I will have you removed. Air Lundon: The first man,who puts his hand on me I will charge with assault.

The Mayor: I tell you this is an informal meeting.

Turning to an attendant, the Alayor said: .“Go and get a policeman.” Silence followed until the Alayor, turning to the Press, representatives, said: “Don’t use any of that. A’oil chaps will have to go out.” As the Pressmen rose,. Air Lundon addressed the Alayor: “Now that the reporters have to go,- I will go too.” Air Lundon left before the policeman arrived.