A CHILDISH EPISODE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8361, 22 February 1913, Page 4

A CHILDISH EPISODE

Now that those gentleman who broke up Thursday night’s meeting of the City Council have had time for reflection, it is not at all unlikely that they regret their .part in the unfortunate incident. They may, however, not be prepared to admit regret. Without going into the question of whether or not the Mayor’s ruling was a correct one, and most certainly without disputing his decision, there is the outstanding fact that the important business of this city is hung up through a course of action taken by a majority of the council which has certain unpleasant appearances, and fhitt is a responsibility the councillors cannot avoid. Plainly speaking, nine councillors seem to have determined to put a gratuitous affront on to his Worship the Mayor, Mr David Mo Daren, and in doing this have disregarded the interests of the people and suspended important municipal business. Now, whatever those who accept the service of the ratepayers in the capacity of councillor may think about the Mayor’s political character: and persuasion, they are called upon by ©very oonsiderAtion of d.©o€Qcy and good government, and by every pledge given or implied to their constituents, to respect the high office which is filled for the time by Mx McLaren, and also to discharge the public business brought before them, or to make place for those who will. The Mayor is chosen by the citizens as head and leader of the, council, and as such he must bo regarded unless the council chamber is to be turned into—well, eventually, into a bear garden. If a ruling be doubtful there is a constitutional remedy. The council is perfectly at liberty to disagree with the Mayor’s interpretation of the standing orders, and, in the end, in a proper manner, to assert the will of tho majority. But to chpsize a meeting as was done on Thursday, to the sacrifice of a great deal of business of vital concern to the public and regardless of the responsibilities the councillors assumed when they accepted office, is difficult indeed to defend. Wo say it with much reluctance, but the incident bears far more evidence of personal persecution, of a miserably petty character, than it does of any desire to vindicate a principle.