DISCORD AT WANGANUI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 201, 22 February 1912, Page 5

DISCORD AT WANGANUI.

COUNCIL AND ENGINEER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wanganui, Last Night. For some time past there has been much discord in municipal matters here between the Borough Council and the borough engineer. Matters apparently came to a filisis at a meeting of the Council on the 13th, when the Mayor moved that the engineer be given three months' notice of termination of his engagement. Ao, reflection' whatever was cast on his professional ability, which was admittedly high, but the ground for dismissal was that of "incompatibility of temper." • The Mayor's motion was lost by six to four. The dispute then took a personal turn, The Mayor stating that as he had acted at the instigation of the majority of the Council, he would resign Unless the councillors supported him. A special meeting was held this evening, when the Mayor moved that the engineer be asked to resign. After a lengthy discussion, one councillor recanted, and voting on the motion was five to five. In order that no one might say that he used his power to give vent to petty spite, the Mayor refused to use his casting vote, and handed in his resignation. Considerable interest has been aroused in the quarrel, and a meeting of the public present was held later, when it was decided to ask the Mayor to reconsider his decision, and, if he refused, to eall a public indignation meeting.