PUNI'S CIVIL WAR.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 249, 9 February 1917, Page 2

PUNI'S CIVIL WAR.

Hostilities Renewed. Executive's Crushing Defeat The Punt Hall warfare again raged last evening whet 1 , as a counterblast to tbe gathering recently convened by Mr K. Fulton, a meeting cilled by the Hall executive for tbe purpose ot patting "the other si-V of the question betore tbe public was beld. Tbe attendance numbered quite 150, including many ladies, and alio visitors from Pukekobe, Patumahre and surrounding districts, wbu rolled up to see "tbe fun." As oa tbe previous occasion, Mr (J. K. Lawrie (Pukekohe) acted as chairman, bis selection in that capacity teing proposed by Mr Preece, seconded by Mr Fulton, and carried unanimously. "COUNTED OUT." Feeli-g throughout tbe proceedings ran high and a good deal of pers-jnpl tuckering was indulged in, despite the chairman's repeated appeals for the snbj'Ct matter ot tbe meeting to be adhered to. Towards the close, an elderly individual, slid to be a resident ot Mauku, essayed to give advice to tbe people of Puni, but tbe audience, ti:ed ot orations and impatient tor a vote to be taken, counted him cut, tbe chairmaa al-o ordering Lira to *Kb-raw as he was not a resident of tbe immrdiat- distiict. Bis attempt to defy the chairman's ruling provoked renewed hubbab, but eventually be resumed bis seat and peace was restored. CENSURE VOTE SEQUEL. On a show of hands what was virtually a motion of censure on the Trustees and Committee was cariied by 62 votes to 18, the meeting thereby calling on tbe Executive to resign. With local opinion on the points of tbe dispute thus clearly demonstrated speechmaking ceased, and with both contending parties evidently favouring "a truce" tbe ball was cleared for dancing, and friend and foe alike were soin merrily tripping the floor. In the meantime "neutrals" were at work with a view of securing Peace witb Honour, with tbe result that tbe Trustees and members of tbe Committee all (by deed in writing) formally resigned their appointments, and it was arranged that a further meeting would be beld on Monday, th; 19. h inst., to carry out a tresh election of Trustees and Committee, Messrs Fultou and Landon, tbe respective leaders nf the opposing forces, both agreeing by written contact not to be candidates tor any office on tbat uccasion. THE FKAY OPENS. Mr W. E. Harvie, as hon. secretary of tbe Committee, was tbe first speaker, and at tbe outset of his remarks be read a report of tbe financial position, showing that the ball and ground bad op to tbe present cost £322 Is 9d, inclading current iiaoilities to sundry creditors pt £l9B 16s 9d. Proceeding, Mr Harvie dealt witb tbe start of the hall project There was a difference of opinion, Mr Harvie said, aa to bow the hail matter was to be financed, whether by donations or shares, tbe plan agreed upon being for donations, and those collecting were instructed to atate that the original conditions bad been altered from the £1 share to that of donations, wbicb it was considered would be best for tbe benefit of tbe district. Ihe speaker went on to say tbat it was decided to call for tenders for tbe building, but about tbe cslling for tenders there waa a not a unanimous feeling. Mr Folton thought a private tender should be considered. At tfeis point disag.ee aunt ttarted. At anotber mteting held on 27ih October be (Mr Harvie) expressed tbe opinion that the hall was too narrow, but Mr Fulton disagreed. Tbe ball was, however, extended in width. At tbe following meeting when tbe amount of the tender for tbe additional work was considered Mr Fulton not attend. "Tbat showed poor spirit,' said Mr Harvie. Mr Harvie went cn to say that at a later meeting tbe iiabilitiea of Mr Fulton tor the hall were diecussed, and it was agreed that they should be taken over by the Committee. Jontinuing, Mr Harvie remarked "Mr Fulton still has tbe liability and until we have authority we can't take over tbe liability." The Committee bad done nothing because Mr Black, one ot the Trustees, had refused to sign the guarantee at the Bank. Why be had not signed be did not kr.o*. "Perhaps," stated Mr Harvie, "Mr Black can explain." Mr Black: Why should I?

Mr Harvie tben dealt with a meeting held on 28th December at Mr Whinwray'd hojsj. Mr Fultan spoke about bis donation, and said "I will give my donation now." "Not true," interjected Mr Fulton.

Mr Harvie, contio.iig, explained that Mr Wbinwray was then paid a deposit on the kite with Mr Fulton's cheque. Alluding to the site of the ball, Mr Ha'vie remarked that difficulty bad arisen through tbe committee not being informed that there was more ttiao one mortgage on tbe property. Tbe failure of Mr Black tfl sign the guarantee, Mr Harvie argued, bad created tbe financial difficulties. Mr Harvie next criticised statements made by Mr Fulton at tbe previoui meeting. Mr Fultoi, be said, did not finance tbe hall, but financed tbe contractor. A vuic: Ii tbu not th? ball? Mr Harvie: No, not in the general sense.

Mr Uarvie then read extract* from Mr Whinwray's letter that recently appeared in tha "Times," and in combatting th2 same he commenced to read a letter written hy Mr H. U. K. Mason, solicitor to the Committee, fur whom be was acting. At this point Mr Mason rose and questioned the matter as being irrelevant to the ball business. Mr Fulton then expressed bis stub to have the whole correspondence rsad, which was done. Mr Harvie concluded by stating that it had been suggested so as to end the deadlock that both Mr Fulton and Mr Landon should stand down, and neither have anything to do with the management of the hall. MK WHINWKAY TAKES THE PLATFORM. Mr Whiawray next addressed the meeting, and claimed that two months had elapsed from the timf

the hall was built until the trustees signed the "joint and several" at the bank. The speaker explained his position with regard to the mortgages on tha property. BaK FULTON SPEAKS.

Mr Fulton, who was received with applause, then mounted the platform and dealt with statements made by Mr HBrvie, with regard to the trustees, as to money sub cribed from outside the Pum district and the question of a vote b;ing allowed to a Weymouth re°id?nt. Mr Masnn also came in for Mr Fulton's criticism, a cross • fire of words between Mr Fulton and Mr Mason being ended by the chairman requesting Mi Fulton to abstain fro® personalities. ASKED TO RESIGN.

On the ctiairman intimatug that he would accept a resolution tor submission to the meeting, Mr Fulton proposed, snd Mr Hemsworth seconded, a motion calling en the Trustees and Committee to resign. Mr Preston desired to move an amendment to the effect tliat if the Executive resigned neither Mr Fulton nor Mr Lani'on should stand for election tor the vacant appointments. The chairman, however, declined to accept the amendment on the ground that the meeting trad no power to bind Mr Fulton or Mr Landoo in any way. Mr Landon next made a brief speech in justification of his position and actions.

The incident already referred to of an elderly "stranger" seeking to advise the meeting tollowed. On a vote being taken toe resolution was car.ied amid cheers by a majority of 44, the voting being 6a votes for a&d 18 against.

The meeting closed with a vote ot thanks to the chairman.