WESTPORT HARBOR BOARD

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 84, 13 August 1913, Page 7

WESTPORT HARBOR BOARD

[Per Press 'Association.] Wellington, August 12. Mr Evans to Mr Atmore: In 1910 the licensing bench granted Mr Simpson a license notwithstanding the convictions, but police convictions still stood. i Mr Allport, Secretary of Marine, said the Department did not make any inquiries as' to the character ot 'persons nominated for appointment to harbor boards. The Minister recommends proposed appointees to the Department, which prepared the recommendation for the Governor, who appointed the persons recommended by the Minister. To Mr Colvin: The whole tiling was in the hands of the Minister.

j Mr W. Pi. Simpson, examined by Mr Atmore, said he did not wish to carry on the license after the convictions were recorded. If they had not been recorded, he would have carried on 'the license. The transfer was effectled because of the convictions. i To Mr Fisher: One of the convic'tions Was for holding a raffle, which Iwas held by two young fellows raffling a horse and gig. He was not coneerneded therein. The conviction for selling liquor on Sunday was for allowing beer to be given to a party who were dining at the hotel. He charged Jls 6d for a meal, inclusive of beer. He did not apply for a renewal of the license in 1912 because he could see there was a conspiracy working 'against him. The new constable was 'continually hanging round the verandah of the hotel. Mr Simpson.said he was born in the hotel, which was ■established in 1876. His people and 'himself had been in possession till last year. Mr Atmore contended that Mr Simpson was imputing bias to the i Magistrate and policeman and oth-

Mr Myers said the facts of the convictions were known in the district, aiii as the charges made by Mr Atmore had been disseminated broadcast therefore the circumstances of conviction.? should be. No bias was imputed to the Magistrate. Mr Colvin declared that Mr Simpson certainly had charged the Magistrate with bias Every one of the persons named by Mr Simpson should be called as witnesses. Ho was elected unopposed for Karamea riding to the Buller County. His connections and the circumstances were well kn >wn in the district. To Mr Fisher: He had voted for Mr Roderick McKenzie on every occasion ho had a vote.

To Mr Atmore: His ■ trouble at Karamea was that the policeman was prejudiced against. him, and would have hunted him put of the country. Ho did 'not want,, to, give him, that chance. He was^nevei - , instructed; by Ids. solicitor that,,he.,,-could have,,reported; Constable JobnH, to his superior officer and had #s[ inflviry -into-.his conduct. He considered that in a British country any man had a right to come out for a public position after he paid the penalty for anyoffence.

To 'Mr "''Fisher: Mr F. P. Munro, chairman of the Wostport Harbour Board, said he knew of some of Mr (Simpson's- eoriviciio^ , s i , , 'init heart! ■"«*>■ 'comment as to : thc ; ''prdpriety oP'ap"-' 'poir-cinig.'a man witli' such' a recorcJ." u To Mr Atmore: If the"'Govornment yob a requisition from the Chamber of Commerce concerning a man, lie would think that was sufficient. It was a moot point whether a man with convictions should stand for public positions.

To Mr Myers: He knew Mr Simpson was respected and esteemed by his fellow residents in his district. Mr John Powell, member of the Westport Harbour Board, defended of the convictions Mr Simpson's appointment in spito The committee then adjourned.