STIR AT MEETING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 221, 18 August 1937, Page 8

STIR AT MEETING.

MOTION OF NO-CONFIDENCE. EDUCATION BOARD CHAIRMAN. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. IS. The unusual spectacle of a member proposing and then putting to a meeting a. motion of no-confidence in the chairman was witnessed at to-day’s meeting of the Canterbury Education Board.

Strong criticism was levelled at the chairman (Mr J. E. Preen) for his decision to retain office for a second period of twelve months, but Mr Preen refused to change hie mind. The discussion was at times heated, three members, Messrs C. S. Thompson, G. W. Armitage and W. A. Banks, contending that when Mr Preen took office twelve months ago he gave an undertaking to submit his name to a ballot if he decided to seek re-election. Under the Act the chairman was elected for two years. After calling the meeting to order today, Mr Preen called for nominations for appointments to committees. Mr Thompson moved that the secretary take the chair and that the election of a chairman be proceeded with. “I hold that the motion is out of order,” said the chairman. Mr Thompson moved that the chairman’s ruling be disagreed with. “It’s a.ll absurd point,” Mr Preen observed. “The chairman is elected to hold office for two years. It is his prerogative to decide whether he will retire at the end of twelve months or whether he retains office. In this case I am not going to retire.” “I am sorry the chairman of the board has broken his promise,” said Mr Banks. “I think you have the law on your side, but on the other side, perhaps, it is better not to 6ay anything.” Mr Thompson: I move a vote of 110confidence in the chairman. I also understood that lie gave that promise.” .The motion of no-confidence was seconded by Mr Armitage. “I cannot take the motion, and I rule it out of order,” said Mr Preen. There was a dramatic moment when Mr Thompson rose and put the motion of no-confidence. “All in favour?” he asked.

“Aye,” said Mr Armitage. “The only tiling that has happened is that I have changed my mind, and some of you know why,” remarked Mr Preen. The board proceeded to appoint standing committees.