A DEPLORABLE EPISODE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1385, 13 April 1915, Page 3

A DEPLORABLE EPISODE.

AT COUNCIL MEETING

A very deplorable “ scene " occurred towards the clo-e o' last night's Council meeting, m which one Councillor made use ot u most objectionable, obscene and insulting reference to a fellow Councillor. The main business of the meeting had been completed and the Mayor, who is not seeking reelection, thanked Councillors for their assistance during the time he had occupied the Mayoral chair. Cr Cbryslall, in a brief speech, made eulogistic references to the manner in which Mr Stiles had conducted the business of the borough iu the past, and in doing so, mentioned that he was a candidate on this occasion for the Mayoral chair. Pie said he would preler uot to be returned unopposed and iu the eve"' ■ contest would like his oppoucui to be one of the men associated with him as Councillor, as he considered it was an office to which Councillors should aspire. After other Councillors had expressed appreciation of the retiring Mayor's connection with the Council, Cr Coley rose and said he was sorry Mr Stiles was going to stand down. As far as Cr Chrystail was concerned, he would be sorry to see him elected, and if he were elected he (Cr Coley) would prefer not to be on the Council as be could not sit with him. The Mayor endeavoured to restrain Cr Coley but his efforts were unavailing, Cr Coley remarking “ that Cr Chrystail and three or four of the other men at the table were the thinnest, and-most one sided and unfair men he had ever sat with.” Cr Chrystail said it was not fair that Cr Coley should make a general statement and asked for a specific instance of one-sided or unfair conduct on his part. Cr Coley, excitedly rising to his feet and leaning across the table, said he would soon give an instance and in a very loud voice accused Cr Chrystail of doing his utmost to "sack” the previous gas manager and of “ crawling to the present manager. In making this accusation Cr Coley made use of an obscene term. The Mayor promptly adjourned the meeting temporarily and thus closed a deplorable episode.