BREEZE IN HUTT COUNCIL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8351, 11 February 1913, Page 3

BREEZE IN HUTT COUNCIL

A MEMBER CENSURED. , Councillor Ball, who, at a meeting of ratepayers, held at Alioetown, made statements alleging that there had been wire-pulling and that bribes had been offered councillors, and was asked by the council to substantiate the charges, forwarded a letter to last meeting saying that “on account of circumstances over which he had no control he was unable to make the explanation asked for at the present juncture, but would do so later.” , The Mayor: I very much regret that Councillor Ball is unable to make the statement asked for. It was the only course open to him, or otherwise h» ought to withdraw the charge altogether. The Mayor considered it insumbent on him, as chairman , although „he did .so with extreme regret, .move the following motion: “That Councillor Ball in making charges of ‘wire-pulling’ and attempts at bribery on the part of some person or persons whom he refuses to disclose, and in declining to Substantiate, explain, or withdraw, such charges, merits and receives the censure of this council.” Councillor Ball:. Before you put the vote of censure I should like to know what authority you have for doing so. ~ The Mayor: It is part of the jurisdiction of the council. Councillor Ball: You must go by the standing orders. The Mayor: I am going to put the motion and accept the responsibility. Councillor Ball: If you do so it will be unfair. I don’t want you to make rules of your own; at the same time it is not my desire to take from you the ‘ pleasure of moving a vote of censure. The Mayor: It is no pleasure to me, but my duty. Councillor Ball; I wish to state emphatically that I intend to make .the explanation, but not at present. Refer the matter to the municipal solicitor for his opinion. Councillor Kempthorne: It seems to me that Councillor Ball desires to waste the ratepayers’ money because he has made foolish remarks. The Mayor; I have given you far too much latitude already. _ A fortnight has been given you, but it is impossible to give you an indefinite time in which to make your statement. Every opportunity has been given you. Councillor Ball at this stage became very excited and was ordered to resume his seat on several occasions; Councillor Hodgins: Before you put the motion, sir, I suggest that Councillor Ball submit to you a confidential report and the council leave maiter to you, sir. I Councillor Ball: I refuse to agree to that. . The motion was then put and earned unanimously. Councillor Ball, who was very_ heated and excited, made some reflections on the chair and was called upon to sit down. Councillor Clendon; You have always had respect and fair play from_ the chair, and have been treated in a gentlemanly way by the Mayor, and it behoves you to act in a similar manner. Councillor Roots: I am sorry Councillor Ball did not turn round like a man and give the council something to go on. A reflection has been cast on the council. The chair has always treated him most fairly, and he has no grounds for casting reflections.. Councillor Dawson: Will Councillor Ball make his explanation before the term of the present council expires? Councillor Ball: I refuse absolutely, and dp not intend to disclose anything to the council, but will go before the ratepayers and explain the position to them. The incident then closed.