REMOVED FROM OFFICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22987, 16 September 1936, Page 10

REMOVED FROM OFFICE

PALMERSTON NORTH INCIDENT COMMENT BY MR HODGENS POLITICAL MOVE ALLEGED . (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sept. 15. "I was somewhat surprised to learn of the extremes to which the majority of the council went last evening," ' stated Mr J. Hodgens, Deputy Mayor of Palmerston' North, commenting on the action taken by the Palmerston North Council last night in removing him from the office of Deputy Mayor and membership of the council committee to confer with the Manawatu-Oroua Power Board representatives. " My resentment, as expressed in a telegram, was the result of false charges levelled at me by Cr Tennent some weeks ago, when Cr Tennent made certain allegations against me in connection with the engagement of council employees. It seems to me that this is a political move, and colour is lent to that assumption in view of the fact that I am the only Labour representative on the council. The report published gives only one side of the case, and in order that the public may learn all the details I would welcome any Supreme Court action that might be taken against me, as that would give me an opportunity of letting the public know how the inquiry was conducted, how the witnesses were called, and the manner in which the question was put. I have noted since the election a marked political bias shown by certain councillors against me."