A CHALLENGE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 487, 5 December 1919, Page 5

A CHALLENGE.

Smeed's Contract.

Tuakau Dispute.

At the conclusion of the monthly meeting of the Tuakau Town Board on Tuesday night, members remained for a few minutes before dispersing, and a very lively and spirited argument followed. Mr D. Fulton (chairman) said now the Board had decided to have the matter of Smeed's contract settled, he would make an offer to Messrs Lapwood and Mungtll. He said in the event of the actions of the Board in connection with the coutract being w.ong he would be willing to defray all expenses incurred therewith on condition that Messrs Mungall and Lapwood agreed to pay all expenses with regard to the matter in the tvint of the BoardV actions being coirect. The 80-ird hed been put to no end of expense eve- since Mr Mungall b«d t>e*n amemb r, but the acceptance or bin offer would save th<» ratepa>ers further expense Mr MungfJl : You have put them to the expense. If we to k the matter to the fuprelue C ait. we could have it settled fur a few pounds, whereas if we took it to the Municipal Association we could have v settled for nothing. Heated discussion foliowel but neither Messrs Lapwood or Mungah would accept the chairman's challenge. Mr Pirret said they were not game. He asked Mr Mun gal I if he would deny that he submitted a copy of the Auditor - General's letter to Mr Claiidge for publication, and the latter refused to publish it. Mr Mungall said he had never sul tnitted a copy of the letter to Mr Ciaridge before it had been considered by the Board. Mr Pirret :'' It's a lie. I can prove it, and I will now put up £2° (loser to pay same to a charitable institution) to say yen did. Come on, be a man !" Mr Mungall denied the accusation and referred Mr Pirret to Mr Ciaridge. Mr Pirret 'heatedly) : " I would not ask Mr Ciaridge." Mr (laridge, in answer to Mr Mungall, said he would say nothing because more might come out of it

Mr Mungall : " Even if I did, I would have been quite justified, because it was a private letter." The Chairman : " Would it have been a manly action ?" Mr Lapwood inteijncted and told Mr Pirret not to lose his head Mr Pirret: "I; is you wh are losing your head. Do you rem inbei the time you 10.-t it down by tli river." (Laughter;. Mr Lapwood : " Don't bo p-rem*! now, Mr Pirret " The room was nowaniibmool argument, members standing "]< putting hats and coats on, m pointing at one another. During the heated korero Mr L[< wood eviden'ly said somot'iio;/, as the Chairman said tohm: ' V u are not fcame to eay that du-Mi th road, Mr lapwood " Eventually Me-srs M'mfill n >'■ Lapwood teat a lia-ty r iieut, whil" the remainder hud a hear'j liugh.