POLICE CALLED IN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 368, 31 May 1928, Page 13

POLICE CALLED IN

STORMY SCENE AT CITY COUNCIL MR. J. R. LUNDON REFUSES TO LEAVE k STORMY scene was enacted at the Auckland City Council Chamber this afternoon, resulting in a policeman being called to eject Mr. J. R. Lundon, a member of the public gallery, from the deliberations of the council. Mr. Lundon refused to leave the room, and the Mayor insisted, a stubborn exchange of views echoing through the corridors of the Town Hall.

The council had completed its business as the No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority, when the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, asked councillors to remain, as he intended discussing certain questions with them. When he asked visitors to leave the room, Mr. Lundon refused, as the council was not in committee. Mr. Baildon then called the council to order so that Cr. M. J. Bennett could move to go into committee. This was not put, however, as the Mayor became engaged in a heated discussion with Mr. Lundon. Cr. W. H. Murray objected to the council going into committee. The Mayor: It is an informal meeting of the council, called at hurried notice. The public has no right here, and is not geing to be present. Mr. Lundon: I refuse to leave. The Mayor: That is my decision, and Mr. Lundon or anyone else fnay say what they like. When he leaves the room I will sit down. EXCITED COUNCILLORS Councillors became excited, and hurried advice was given to Mr. Lundon. amid the babel of voices around the table. Mr. Lundon held his ground, however, and said: “I have a right to be at the council.’* The Mayor (still on his feet): Will you retire quietly? Air. Lundon (quickly): No. The Mayor: Then I will have you removed.

Mr. Lundon (heatedly): If anyone lays hand on me he will be charged with assault.

The Mayor (to the officials): Send for the authorities. Mr. Lundon: There is no authority to put me out. Mr. Lundon: It is the public’s meeting. The Mayor: It is my meeting. Cr. Murray (rising to his feet): May I speak? The Mayor: No; there is no business before the council. It is an informal meeting that I have convened. I have asked councillors to come and discuss certain things. AWAY FROM THE DOOR Mr. Lundon by this time had crossed the room to the side farthest from the door and was reiterating his determination to stay, while the Mayor, in steady rhythm, was assuring him that whatever happened he would have to leave. Cr. Bennett vainly strove to move his resolution to go into committee so there would be no alternative for the public, but the Mayor retained his feet. “See whether you will go when the policeman comes,” advised the Mayor, as a temporary lull occurred in the heated debate. Mr. Lundon went half-way out the door, changed his mind, and came back into the chamber. “You cannot get a policeman to put me out like this” he protested. “We will see about that” came from several councillors. It was discovered at this stage that the Press had been noting the scene and the reporters were asked by the Mayor to withdraw with, the suggestion that they had no right to have given ear to the altercation. At this stage Mr. Lundon, deeming discretion best, left the room and avoided the necessity for police action.