EXPLANATION WANTED

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8339, 28 January 1913, Page 8

EXPLANATION WANTED

HHTT MAYOR RESENTS STATE* MENT BY COUN CIX-LOR.

The Mayor (Mr E- P- Bxumy> brought before the Hutt Borough Council last night remarks made by t-oun-cillor Ball at a meeting of ratepayers of the Weston Hutt. The words referred to were made in a speech, ana were; “There certainly was a little wire-pulling on the council at times, and somehow the money spent, but nothing could be accomplished by one man, although he might bo a chock at times. Don't send dummies .to the council, but honest and conscientious working men who could not be bought. Attempts have been mado j to buy me, but my price is too .high.’ Councillor Roots said the oiler had been made to him, but he wished to exonerate the members of the council and the staff. The offer came from outside the council. Ho did not propose to make an explanation that evening, but the matter would be fully ventilated at the proper time The Mayor said the source should be made public. He (the Mayor) would not sit upon a council whoso members used undue pressure, nor would he expect councillors to sit lender him if ho used pressure. Councillor Ball owed the councillors an explanation of hia remarks, otherwise the fullest inquiry must be made. Had Councillor Baira remarks been misinterpreted the explanation should still be made. Councillor Bail remarked that the Mayor was trying to draw him, and ha was not to b© drawn. The Mayor replied that it was not a case of drawing Councillor Ball, but justice must be done to the council* Xbe remarks complained of must either bo withdrawn or substantiated. It was not his desire to make capital out of Councillor BalTs remarks, but ho courted the fullest investigation. Councillor Ball said ho did not caro whether the council liked it or not; ho was not going to refer to the matter that evening, but would do so in duo course.

The Mayor: Perhaps you are nob ready ? Councillor Ball: That is so. The Mayor: Well, notify the town clerk and furnish your explanation for tho next meeting of the council. A reflection has been made on councillors, and your remarks must be substantiated.

Councillor Hobbs said he agreed with the Mayor’s remarks. A reflection was cast on tho council, and it was cowardly of Councillor Ball to withhold his explanation. Councillor Kempthornc moved that Councillor Ball submit a written explanation in time for the next meeting of the council, and this was carried on tho voices.