CAUSE AND EFFECT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1699, 4 May 1886, Page 2

CAUSE AND EFFECT.

Another futile attempt was made at last night's meettng of the Caledonian Society, by two individuals, to upset tho '-existing satisfactory arrangements with regard to advertising, as previously confirmed at a general meeting. Mr Flood, a schoolmaster m the employ of the Education Board, first raised the question iv a very offensive way, and though he got properly sat upon by every member who was present, except Mr Pi rani, he still continued to force his opinions upon the meeting. He was repeatedly called to order by ths Chairman, as also was Mr Pirani, but

there was no 'putting them down. At one time, it seemed as it' no business wotiM bo transacted at all ; and so disgusted were one and another with the persistency, biltf mess, and animus displayed by both individuals mentioned that at different times members rose to leave the meetiiifj. One member f.fter another I reminded Mr Flood that the whole matter had been discussed and settled at a i previous meeting, and that the Society had expressed itß firm determination to show no partiality for or against either local paper, but to deal fairly with both. Nevertheless, bo renewed his offensive allusions, m spite of the authority of the Chairman and the remonstrances of the meeting. We do not know that we are surprised at anything that Mr Flood might say or do, as we consider that a man who would make the oharges he did against the Chairman of his School Committee must be regarded with pity, more than anger. Both he and MrPirani must have hides of cast iron if they did not feel the shaf ta which sereral members present sent home with telling effect m the course of the discussion that followed Mr Flood's very indiscreet attempt to stir up party feeiing, and for which he wan severely rebuked by one and another. No doubt he was only the tool of others — primed for the occasion, ready to go off at a moment's notice. But still he made himself appear very obnoxious, and also very ridiculous, almost as much so as on the occasion »f a former meeting of the Dairy Factory at which he displayed such grand "oratorical powers. We were about to allude to another episode of which we were a witness, but to that we will not refer on the present occasion. Although some persons do not think Mr Flood should be altogether blamed, still ho should not allow himself to. be made a catspaw for others. In the end, after an acrimonious discussion, the meeting decided to leave, the matter as it was. It would almost seem as if Messrs Flood and Pirani are determined at any cost to stir up personal feeling m the Society. However, they tound < themselves entirely m a. minority last I night, and though they fought their personal quarrel tooth and nail, they had to resign themselves' to the inevitable. A few more such attempts and farewell to the harmony and unanimity which have i hitherto attended the Society, but wSfcch must disappear when elements of discord are introduced, the objects of which are too palpable to deceive anyone.