IN AGAIN: OUT AGAIN

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 570, 29 June 1933, Page 5

IN AGAIN: OUT AGAIN

Our Own Gorrespondent) . "

7 ~ ~ ~ I OPOTIKI COUNClL COUNCILLORS DECIDE UPON A NEW TOWN CLERK BUT ADJOURN ONCE AGAIN

(From

Opotiki, Wediiesday. * There are still alarums and excnrsions in Opotiki munieipal politics, and events, appear to be fast moviiig to a coup d'etat of some description, although in what direetion and by which of the contending parties, it is difficult to determine. Following Tuesday iiight's exchanges, councillors were out and about early this morning and at ten o'elock sharp, the deputy-mayor, Mr. J. J. Moody was in the mayoral ehair in the borough eouncil offices with an audience consisting of Crs. Anderson, Webb, Patterson and Shalf oon. Unfortunately the roll call failed to reveal the town clerk and the deputymayor accordingly proceeded to his office with an inyitation to Mr. Fleming to attend the f estivities. He returned to say that the clerk definitely refused to attend as he contended that the meeting was not constitutionally summoned. . When this intelligence was conveyed to the waiting counciilors, the deputy-mayor suggested that, the offieer should be called to-take the miiv utes, but this did not meet with general approval and Cr. Shalf oon again nominated Cr. Patterson as scribe pro tem. This formality disposed of and Cr. Patterson duly installed, the deputymayor expressed the opinion that the clerk should be suspended for his action in refusing to take the minutes. Cr. Shalf oon thought that perhaps tho clerk would attend and give his reasons for his refusal, but Cr. Moody said he did not think it would be right to approach him after the attitude he had taken up. A New Clerk? Cr. Shalfoon then moved that as the clerk had refused to carry out his duties, a new clerk should be appointed. This was seconded by Cr. Anderson and carried unanimously. Without proceeding to fill the presumably vacant position, it was then, deeided to adjourn the meeting until three o'clock that afternoon. One minute ahead of time, the councillors were on parade again at the time appointed, hut returning to their familiar haunts found the room occupied by the town clerk. "What's this?" enquired Mr. Fleming quite naturally. . Gr. Anderson said that it was a borough council meeting and forthwith dropped into a chair. He was followed hy the other councillors trooping in and everybody settled down for a nice cosy chat. .The town clerk set the ball rolling hy stating that he had not heen informed that there was- any meeting of the council proposed and he had therefore not been prepared for it. He was immediately reminded that he had not been present at the morning's gathering and as a result had missed this important point. However, a general invitation was again extended to him to be present and take the minutes. Councillors were again fated to be disappointed, however,- as the clerk once again refused and retired from the room. Back approximately where they had started, councilors considered the position for a few moments and then decided to adjourn once again until Thursday at 2 p.m.