SELKIRK TOWN COUNCIL AND THE ELECTION PIE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VIII, Issue 437, 24 February 1875, Page 3

SELKIRK TOWN COUNCIL AND THE ELECTION PIE.

It has, it would seem, been the custom from time immemorial for the municipal rulers of Selkirk to have a convivial meeting once a year. Of late the feast has become greatly less sumptuous than was once the case. The expense which was taken from the "common good," has been diminished year by year till it was brought down to some 17a a-year. But even this has been objected to as regularly as the thing turned up, when a scene was sure to follow. Some of these were pretty lively, but all former exhibitions were totally eclipsed by what was enacted in the Town^Hall on^a recent Friday. The Police Commissioners having then met to lay on the annual assessments, which were fixed at 2s Id per pound — 2£d above laat year — the meeting was afterwards turned into one of Town Council in order to sanction the vole* for " the pie."

Provost Anderson moved that the Council meet on Monday night — the night before the election — as usual. Dean of Guild Pringle seconded. Mr. Waddell— What to do ? „ Mr. Wm. Brown — To hive a pie. Mr. Waddell -Who pays for the pie ? Mr. W. Brown — It comes off the rent of Linglie (one of the town farms.) It has been a custom for 400 years. Mr, Waddell — I object to anything of the kind being paid out of the burgh funds. If the ratepayers neglected to entertain the Council, is that any reason why the Council should so demean themselves — should do anything so despicable, so low, as 50 vote away the burgh funds to pay for a pot-house fuddle 1 If such a thing is done, I will not remain a member of Council — I will resign to-night. Just figure, continued Mr. Waddell, in a week or two seeing a representation in "Punch" of the noble Magistrates and Councillors of Selkirk walking in procession to the nearest pot-house to have a f uddel at the expense of the burgh, the ratepayers standing by looking on.

Mr. W. Brown — And you pulling them back by the coat tails. Mr. Brodie, seconded by Mr. Coutts, meved that there be no meeting. Mr. Falla — It is within the memory of the present generation that it was no uncommon thing at these gatherings for men to be lying jolly fou below the table. The Provost — I deny it ; I have attended these meetings for fifteen years, and never saw any such thing. Such language is undignified and insulting. Mr. Falla — How many go 1 I observe when the account comes up that sixteen pies are charged for — surely there must be BonTe gormandisers attend. The roll was then called by the Clerk, the vote being for "■meet" or "not meet." For " meet " there voted Provost Anderson, Bailie Trotter, Treasurer Henderson, Dean of Guild Pringle, Mr. J. Brown, and Mr. Win. Brown — 6. For "not meet" — Bailie Johnstone, Mr. Brodie, Mr. Coutts Mr. Turnbull Mr. Falla, and Mr. Waddell-6 The Clerk— The vote is equal~g> to 6. The Provost — I'll not give a casting vote. It is not the case that we encourage drinking ; we don't go to drink. After a slight altercation between Mr. Waddell .'and the Provost, the scene was abruptly terminated by members lifting their hats and making for the door — muttering, " Disgraceful," " That's terrible." "That's awfu'," beinpheard from the lobby as they were beating their retreat.