MT. ROSKILL BOARD BURIES THE HATCHET

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 167, 5 October 1927, Page 13

MT. ROSKILL BOARD BURIES THE HATCHET

PEACE RESTORED MOTION WITHDRAWN fiBVIOUSLY excited to a high tension of expectancy—in view of recent events—an unusually large audience of ratepayers >queea:ed uncomfortably into every available inch of space in the Mount Roskill Road Board room lasi, evening. It was a “capacity house” in every way, crowded even in the lobby, while others stood outside on the pathway. THE SUN readers will remember that at the previous meeting oi! the board, before ord nary business was commenced, Mr. A. JS. Belcher submitted a resolution which was tantamount to a motion of want of confidence in the chairman, Mr. K. J. Jones. As a protest, the chairman refused to accept the motion, as no notice had been given, and he summarily closed the meeting. As a consequence the agenda submitted last evening was double its customary size, and, although the resolution referred to was placed as the last item for consideration, everyone remained to the end, a few ‘‘breezes” in the interim sufficing to entertain them until the anticipated climax should come along. But realisation of the closing tableau proved a decided (and to some a dismal) failure. In introducing the ordinary business the chairman made the following remarks: “Before proceeding with the agenda, I wish to make a statement which vitally concerns members of the board and ratepayers. It is a matter of extreme regret that the last two meetings terminated in such an unseemly manner. The administration of the district is a most difficult matter, in view of wide interests and the diversity of opinions representing those interests. “Unless there is forbearance, unity and a spirit of co-operation on the part of members, this board cannot successfully function in the best interests of the district. “Since our last meeting there has been time for reflection, and I make a final appeal to all concerned to sink personal differences, and devote their whole-hearted attention to the business before them.” No comment followed, and the business was proceeded with. MOTION WITHDRAWN All other business having been dealt with, full interest became centred upon the concluding item. According to notice, Mr. A. St. C. Belcher moved: “That the resolution appearing in the board’s minute-book, dated May 17, 1927, moved by Mr. Foote, and seconded by Mr. Tozer, appointing M:r. E. F. Jones chairman for the ensuing year, be rescinded.” Mr. Belcher said with the indulgence of the chairman he did not propose to offer uny remarks or explanation regarding his proposed motion. He merely wished to notify that, so far a.s he was personally concerned, with the permission of the chairman, he wished to w ithdraw the motion. This caused no slight amount of surprise to the assembly of ratepayers, but to a few' other persons the withdrawal had not been altogether unexpected during the evening. The chairman simply replied: “Very well, Mr. Belcher. I will allow the withdrawal of the motion and that, gentlemen, concludes the business of the meeting.” , _ Small groups formed inside and outside the council chamber in eagerconversation, and some time elapsed before a general exit w'as made.