“NO CONFIDENCE”

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20275, 18 August 1937, Page 8

“NO CONFIDENCE”

CHAIRMAN REBUKED.

BREEZE AT BOARD MEETING. ALLEGED BROKEN PROMISE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. The unusual spectacle of a member proposing and then putting to the meeting a motion of no-confldence in the chairman was witnessed at today's meeting of the Canterbury Education Roard. Strong criticism was levelled at the chairman, Mr. .T. E. Preen, for his decision to retain office for a second period of 12 months but Mr. Preen refused to change his mind. Discussion was at times heated, three members, Messrs. C. S. Thompson, C». W. Armitage and W. A. Banks contending that when Mr. Preen took office 12 months ago he gave an undertaking to submit his name to ballot if lie decided to seek re-election. Under the Act the chairman was elected for two years. After calling the meeting to order Mr. Preen called for nominations for the appointments committee. Mr. Thompson moved that the secretary take the chair and that the election of the chairman be proceeded with. “ * hold that llie motion is out of order,” said the chairman, Mr. Thompson, moved that tlie chairman's ruling he disagreed with. “ An Absurd Point.” “ It’s an absurd point,” Mr. Preen observed. “ The chairman is elected j to hold office for two years, it is his prerogative lo decide whether he will retire at the end of 12 months or whether he retains office. In this case I am not going to retire.” “ i am sorry that the chairman of the board has broken his promise,” said Mr. W. A. Banks. ” I think you have the law on your side but on the other side perhaps It is better not io say anything. Mr. Thompson: “I move a vote of no-confldence in the chairman. I also understood he gave that promise.” The motion of no-confldence was seconded by Mr. Armitage. ” I cannot take the motion and I rule it out of order,” said Mr, Preen. There was a dramatic moment when Mr. Thompson rose and put the motion of no-confldence. ” All in favour?” he asked. ” Aye,” said Mr. Armitage. ” The only thing lhat has happened Is that i have changed my mind and some of you know why,” remarked Mr. I Preen. “ I don’t want to have anything to do with a man who breaks his word,” said Mr. Thompson a little later. Mr. Armitage: I am in the same position. The board proceeded to appoint