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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4980, 9 March 1877, Page 4

It appears an attempt is being made.'to excite, some clamor touching the City Council’s selection of plans for the Town HalL It is insinuated that' the Mayor has, done or said something very improper in (he circumstances, and truth and fairplay are not in favor with certain classes in an election contest ; but considering that the selection of plans was made by th'e Council, and not by the Mayor, it is hard to see how the latter can be a sinner above all the other Councillors in this matter. In point of fact, we have reason to believe that no more impartial decision was ever arrived at by a deliberative body. The selection may riot have been the beat or wisest—the members of the Council are not professional architects; but having to make a selection, they made it in good faith, according to the best of their judgment; and we axe not sure that they may not have done the correct thing.after all The facts as they have been narrated to us . are these;—The Council, with the exception of one member, agreed to place the plans in the order in which they ■ now stand—Mr., Dransfield, who is now attempting to get up some sort of case adverse to the Council, being one of the noisiest of the majority. After the decision had been come to, if appears that Mr. Dransfield (who took a prominent part in giving ah opinion in favor of the' plan inottoed “ Teyiot ’’), for some reason which , might be very plain to himself, .but which he did not explain, suddenly proposed that more time. should bo’taken for further deliberation. The Mayor reminded the Council that the business was settled, but that, if the members were unanimous,-.there need be no difficulty about taking further, time for deliberation, inasmuch as the .names of the competitors , were still unknown. Mr. Allen, as we are, informed, very properly objected to any further delay, and he was joined in this objection by two or three others. The Mayor thereupon intimated that the Council having come to a decision, and certain members having objected to the matter being opened up again, the decision arrived at must be held as final, Mr.. Dransfield therefore became very indignant, intimated his intention .never to sit at the Council table again, took up his bat and left the chamber'. He was followed by Mr. Mills,’and, after an interval by Mr. George.. The Council then .proceeded, to open the. envelopes containing the names of the successful competitors, when they .were found to be those already published By us. .It is always amistake to exclude the Press from meetings of } lochl bodies ; but, we give this, narrative as we have been .able to pick it up. We are satisfied of its substantial accuracy, and we appeal to members of the Council either,to point put where we aye wrong, or to,.bear.put. our statement.- As we, have ' already intimated, the’ Council may ,have , a mistake in judgment, but certainly neither the Mayor, nor any member of the’ majority can be charged with anything more or worse; and this seems about, the poorest electioneering dodge that could well.be resorted t 0....