MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1090, 3 September 1912, Page 2

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

(To the Editor.)

Sir.— Please allow me space in which to give the lie direct to statements being circulated, in regard to the recent by-election. First, particular stress is being laid on the lact that Mr Hannah’s election was organised by the ‘‘local Labour” Party. Now, I challenge anybody to step out and say who they are, and whence their origin or status as a Labour Party. Mr Hannah stood absolutely on his and ability. As to labour organisation helping him in the way suggested is a pure myth, which can only be regarded as party spite. As for the assertion that Mr Claris stood on his own, then why were motor cars run and “prominent councillors” to wit, Messrs Speirs, Coley and His Worship the Mayor grafting so solidly for him, thus plainly showing which side had organised for the fray. Now for the qualifications. Mr Claris is a ratepayer we know, also we are aware that Mr Hannah is a resident of fourteen years in this town, known as a man should be known who has always dealt honest with everyone. Anyhow, now that this election is over it is to be hoped that those who took on their shoulders to “sling mud” from behind the hedge will close up and retire from public life for ever. Now, in regard to the action of the Mayor as stated in Cr Richmond's letter, wnen he dealt with Cr Adams’ resignation, it seems to be another case of venting petty spleen, which is shown by his refusal to give Cr Adams a chance to explain bis reason for resigning. Also it is the duty of the Mayor now to give his unbiassed reason for “dealing it out” to the ex-coun-cillor in such a spiteful fashion. Instead of getting a bricklayer to report on “Gas Works” he should first learn the rules of how to govern a meeting of the peoples’ representatives with a fair mind not at the dicate of a clique as so evident. We also read that the town is again asked to provide another outing lor the benefit of the “gasers,” this time to Marton. What shall we have next to do? Why, pay the bill, what more. Seemsas how these occur too often. In conclusion it is to be seen that the progressive minority will have a hard time, but they can rest assured that, now, we will organise and at the general election or councillors there will be a reckoning, when the dry bones will be laid to rest as far as public life is concerned, and live men, not squibs, elected in their- place, and the town given clean government which it has been so long deprived. —I am, etc., E. G. Martin, Avenue, Foxtou. (To the Editor.) Sir. —Having had a large Home and Colonial experience in gas works I should like to say Mr Stunell is, in my opinion, a firstclass man. He has every detail of the work at his finger ends. I have worked under him about three months and have had opportunities ot knowing this. He not only understands the theory, but Is a good practical man, one who is able to do a lot of work without making any tuss about it. I am leaving the borough employ so I am able to speak my mind on this matter. I wish him all sorts of good luck and il I ever work for a boss again I hope I shall get as good a man as him to work under. —I am, etc., J. McCall.

(To the Editor.)

Sir.—ln reply to “Glory Hole” I must advise him not to get excited. Once down is no battle and a little skirmish like the Haunah-Claris affair does not end the war. It is not a labour Mayor and a labour Council that the ratepayers are anxious to get in, but honest men who will see that every man gets a square deal from the top of the pack. If I catch him shouting “hurrah” again before the end of the game, I’ll hit him a crack !—I am, etc., Another Holer.

(To the Kditor.) Sir. —As a ratepayers I would like to know what are Dr. Adams’ reasons for resigning from the Council. I understand that a certain councillor has made malicious statements against the Dr., and when he (.the Dr.) asked permission to speak in order to give the ratepayers his reasons for resigning, the Mayor closed the meeting abruptly in spite of the fact that at least one other motion was written out and ready to table. Is it not a rule for a chairman of any meeting before closing to ask if any other questions are forthcoming ? I ask how did the Mayor know' what Councillor Adams intended to say ? We know the mis - statements alleged by the councillor above referred to, but if this high-handed ruling of the Mayor is right, what chance does the Dr. get to put his reasons for resigning before the ratepayers ? Is it not a fact that the Mayor and certain councillors decided before the meeting to adopt these unscrupulous tactics the moment the Dr, asked to speak. Now sir, I claim that this procedure is nothing short of a disgraceful scandal and the sooner these autocratic councillors are cast into oblivion the better for the people of Foxton. The position now is that we have lost a popular and honest councillor, and the public are denied the right of hearing his reasons for resigning. In conclusion I can only say that the public are determined to put an end to these yes-no councillors

who apparently rule the Council at present, and are more than disgusted with their Council • appointed Mayor, and when his term of office is up he will end with it as far as public life is concerned. I am, etc., Ratepayer.