MAYOR CALLS POLICE.

Shannon News, 27 February 1923, Page 2

MAYOR CALLS POLICE.

EJECTION OF COUNCILLOR. TENSE SCENE AT STRATFORD. Stratford, Tuesday. The troubles of the electric light department of the Stratford Borough Council, which have disturbed the atmosphere of the Council for some months past, culminated in drastic action at last night’s meeting, when the Mayor,; Mr J. W. McMillan, called in the aid of the police to eject a member of the Council, Mr S., Ward, on the latter’s refusing to withdraw a certain remark, and also to obey the Mayor’s ruling that he should leave the Council Chamber.. After a long discussion, more or less, personal, the Mayor remarked that he hoped the Council would leave sentiment entirely out of its business in future.

Mr S. Ward said he was glad to hear the Mayor say sentiment should be* left out of electriO light' matters. If the Mayor had not been a personal friend of a certain man, that man’s son would not lie in his present position on the staff.

the Mayor toolr strong exception to this remark, and asked Mr Ward to withdraw it. Mr Ward refused absolutely to withdraw. The Mayor then ordered Mr Ward to leave the room, but he refused. The Mayor next adjourned the Council for 15 minutes, and he left the room. He returned a few minutes later to tell Mr Ward that if he did not leave the police would be called in to remove him. , A few minutes later a constable appeared in the room and asked Mr Ward what he had to say. Members of the Council asked the Mayor that the position should be fully explained to the constable, ' ’■

. The, Mayor ordered the constable to remove Mr Ward, and said he would take full responsibility for the action. ' .■ '

Mr Ward then left the room with the constable, and was followed by Messrs. C. Jackson .and T- Lawson, The Council then proceeded with the business before it. , /