PUNI.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 252, 20 February 1917, Page 3

PUNI.

Puni Hall Strife

HOSTILITIES 'vIEASE,

The third of a series of meetings connected with tfce local warfare which has arisen concerning Funi's new public hall was held last evening in the hall. The attendance was the largest yet recorded, but there was an absence of the excitement that bad characterised the previous gatherings. Although the leaders ot the respective rival sections, Messrs R. Fulton and J. Landon, had mutually agreed to retain from offering themselves fur election as members of the hall executive, a trial ot strength nevertheless took place between the two parties in regard to the constitution of the managing body with the result that what was known as the "Fuliun ticket" was elected en manse.

Not much time was lost in reappointing Mr C. K. Lawrie as chairman, and on taking up that position he thanked the meeting for the honour of being again asked to to preside.

For the position of secretary Mr Ueraghty was voted aB a suitable person and he acted as such tbrouuhout the meeting. .THE RESIGNATIONS. Credit was due, said the chairman, to Mr Preßton tor his succes,s in arranging at the close of the previous meeting that the Trustees and Committee should resign in order to end the deadlock that existed. The chairman then read the resignations that had been handed in, and on the motion of Mr Hemsworth, seconded by Mr Murray, the resignations were formally accepted. Mr M. J. Rogers then proposed that the old committee, who had done such good work, should be thanked for their services. This was seconded by Mr Pollock, and was passed amid applause. NEW OFFICERS.

The number to form the committee caused a little difference of opinior. Mr Kidd proposed nine, while Mr Massey favoured seven. When put to the meeting nine was the number agreed upon, to include the three Trustees.

Forthe post of Trustees Mr Hemsworth nominated Messrs James Black, W. Preston and W. Parkiuson. Mr Donald seconded, and as no other nominations were forthcoming they were declared duly elected.

Nominations tor the committee produced the following eleven names: Messrs Joseph Wright, W. DazeUy, D. Maloney, E. Lucas, L. Hastings, C. J. Geraghty, W. Preece, S. Murray, W. Harvie, J. Nichols and M. Rogers, but the last-named withdrew. Messrs J. P. Asfcer, H. H. O'Loughlen, J. Coady and J. Donald were appointed scrutineers, with Messrs K. Fulton and J. Landon as checkers. While the voting was taking place the audience was kept merry by songs, recitations and sundry stories which caused much amusement and preserved the good spiiit of the audience throughout the detailed work of counting the ballot.

There was some excitement outside tbe committee room while the counting was in progress, the result being as follows: —Elected: Lucas 80 votes, Geraghty 79. Wright 77, Dazeley 75, Maloney 74, and Hastings 72. Not elected: Preece 43, Murray 36, Nichols 33 and Harvey 31.

The subsequent proceedings took tbe form of a dance, and the merry trippers gliding over tbe well kept floor to the strains of tbe piano and violin produced an animated scene. Thanks are due to the ladies who pruvided such excellent refreshments as were served.