FRIDAY NIGHT S MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 416, 28 July 1908, Page 2

FRIDAY NIGHT S MEETING.

As some misrepresentation has, we understand, been manufactured out of our report of the meeting of Moutoa ratepayers held in the Mayor’s room on Friday night, we deem it necessary, in fairness to the Chairman, to state something which we would rather have left unsaid for various reasons. However, as it appears from the report that the Chairman, Mr Gower, took Mr Edward’s defiance without a murmur, we will publish the facts as succiutly as possible. Mr R. Edwards (representing his mother) and Mr Smith (representing bis father) had no legal right to be present at the meeting: not being ratepayers. Their presence as onlookers or auditors was permissable at the discretion of the Chairman. At the outset the Chairman warned Mr- Edwards that he would not be allowed to speak, and if he persisted he would be removed by the police. Mr Edwards did speak, and when the resolution was moved approving of the Board’s loan proposal he (Mr Edwards) said he intended to move an amendment. The Chairman then asked one of the trustees to summon the police. While this order was being executed, Mr Edwards moved the amendment as published in our Saturday’s issue, which was ignored by the Chairman, and although Mr Edwards endeavoured to induce several present to second the amendment, no one acceded to his request. Mr Edwards then asked the Chairman to put the resolution, and stated that no one dare lay a hand on him. The Chairman ignored Mr Edwards’ remarks, and Constable Woods arrived. The con-, stable was informed that his services might be required, and was asked to take a seat. The resolution was put by the Chairman, and carried without a dissentient vote. We might add that Mr W. Carter, who spent some time in fair criticism, stated at the meeting that he had his say, and would not further block the scheme. We take this opportunity of complimenting the trustees and clerk upon the enormous amount of work they have done in order to improve the lands •

of settlers in the Moutoa district, and to assure them it is only a matter of time when their services will be appreciated to the full extent by every ratepayer concerned.