A TOWN CLERK'S GRIEVANCE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2336, 11 September 1880, Page 2

A TOWN CLERK'S GRIEVANCE.

At a recent meeting of tlio Auckland City Council, the following letter was read : “To His Worship the Mayor and members of the City Council—Gentlemen, —I beg most respectfully to bring under your notice that Councillor Offer repeatedly visits the offices, and that he has on two occasions in a very dictatorial manner wanted to give orders in reference to my office work, and upon the last occasion called the attention of two officials (Mr Hay and Mr Woolfield) to liis instructions. He speaks in a very loud maimer, as if intentionally to irritate and give offence. He used threats to the effect of keeping me in my place, and other similar remarks. I told Mr Offer that my instructions must come from the Mayor or Council. I respectfully submit that such actions are calculated to lower my authority, and to prevent the proper attention of myself and other officials to our duties. For some time I have been very unwell, and I may state that such constant annoyance is unfair to me. and I do not think is desired by the Council.—Yours. P. A. Philips, Town Clerk.”

A short and indecisive pause followed the reading of the letter. Councillor Offer at length rose. He said —I beg to deny the whole of this statement in the first place. And in the second place I question the right of the Council"to call my action into question, seeing that I am one of the representatives of South Ward, to the ratepayers of which I am responsible and to none other. Cr. Waddel—Whilst it must be most gratifying to Gr. Offer that he has been returned to the Council, in defiance of all opponents, he must not be allowed to retain the proud, belief which appears too big for full expression, viz., that lie is the Council and that the South Ward is Auckland. He let it out imperfectly, but the magnitude of his feelings of course can’t find big enough words in which to deliver themselves. I think I have correctly stated the position he takes up. ife will have to be shown that he is wrong. The Mayor and Councillors finally “ sat ” on Cr. Offer.