AMUSING INTERLUDE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 97, 24 April 1912, Page 5

AMUSING INTERLUDE.

A PERSONAL EXPLANATION BY MR. MORISON. A VERBAL FREE FIGHT. One of the most amusing interludes that has ever followed a meeting in the Town Hall occurred last night, when Mr. R. McK. Morison took the opportunity of making a personal explanation with regard to his recexit actions. Mr. Morison said lie had little to add to what had already been said in the newspapers by him, hut lie would like, to say a few words lest there should he come misconception with regard to bis attitude towards Mr. McAllister. “I said then, and I say now,” said tiie speaker, “that I was misled by statements that he made.” (Applause.) However, he imputed no improper motives on Mr. McAllister’s part. He considered that Mr. McAllister had practically admitted tho_ subject matter of what he had said in the papers, and had to take shelter in the fact that he put to him a rather leading question. “Surely, if he is a man,” ho asked, “and did not believe the statement, why did he not say sop Ho said ho agreed with me that there was no one on the Council more entitled to the position than I. I don’t think I have done him any injustice in the matter.” (Applause.) Mr. Morison went on to say he approached another gentleman on_ the subject, and he said, “No, Morison. I’m not going to support you on this occasion, because you did not support me some years ago.” “I know where to find that man.” Mr. Morison added amidst storms of applause. “I would rather meet that man any day. (Laughter.) I was not begging for the position; I asked them to say what; they thought straight out from the’ shoulder. I was not dying to secure the position.” (Applause.) The speaker went on to refer to the fact that he had voted for every movement which he considered would be in the interests of the Borough of Stratford, and its people. He had done his level host. Mr. Morison added that in the opinion of a few he was not considered a boon to McAllister, his king, or his master. (Loud and prolonged laughter.)

Mr. N. J. King: “Don't you get poetical, because you’re no good at it.” (Laughter.) Continuing, Mr. Morison said that the attitude ho took up over the Electric Light Company was not considered a Boon to McAllister, his King, or his Master. (More laughter.) However, he took that stand, and they began to pull the strings and say they did not want him, and endeavour to get hold of someone whom they could twist about a little more. “I shall not hide my light under a bushel, and no man will move me from what I believe to ho right,” the speaker exclaimed, amidst vociferous applause. Ho added that Mr. McAllister was a nice little follow —(laughter) —and lie was not going to say anything about him. If they wanted him (the speaker) later on, he would be found somewhere in the vicinity of the Nursery. (Applause.) Blit the fun had not ended. At this stage- the Mayor cons’dered that it was only proper, since Mr. Morison had Used his name, to reply to the personal statements that he had made. Mr. Morison kept things going merrily by keeping up a running fire of comment, which added considerably to the enjoyment of the proceedings. Mr. Morison' had left the platform, but he came on again, remarking in a loud voice that lie “must hear some of tlds.”

Mr. Masters stated that Mr. Morison had come to him with the same story as he had come to Mr McAllister. When asked if ho did not consider that he (Mr. Morison) had a right to the position, and should bo elected ns Mavor of Stratford, Mr. Masters said be ‘(the speaker) “did not put on any jam.” Mr. Morison: “I did not ask yon that question, Sir.” The Mayor: “Yon did.” Mr, Morison; “I did not.” (Frantic applause.) “At the same time as Mr. Morison asked me that question ” Mr. Morison : “But I did not.” “Ho distinctly asked me whether T would stand for Hie Council in his place,” the Mayor went on to say. “I t ihl him I might. A few day? later I found that lie had waited on Mr. Kirkwood—

Mr. Morison: “Absolutely incorrect, gentlemen.” “and asked him to stand down and do Ills best in his (Mr. Morison’s) interests. (Apnlause.) When I saw that going on 1 thought it was host to look for another candidate, and consequently I supported Mr. McAllister.” Air. Morison: “1 thought so; that is what I said.” (Laughter.) ‘/And.” added Mr. Masters. “I should support him one hundred times over against Mr. Morison.” (Applause.) Here All’. N. J. Kbig took a hand in the nroeesdiiuts. He said, from the body of the ball, that Mr. Morison had annrnaehcd him. (Laughter.) He had told him (Mr. Morison) that he “would not touch him with a twenty foot pole,” because he did not consider lie was a (it and proper person to represent the electors. It is quite probable that there mighi

have been a much longer story to tel!, had not Air. Kirkwood risen and moved a hearty vote of Blanks to the chair. The meeting then dispersed, and it was satisfactory to note that everybody had a smile on his or her face, and on the faces of the principals that smile was the broadest.