SENSATION IN THE AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 208, 2 September 1899, Page 2

SENSATION IN THE AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

At the special meeting of the Auckland City Council held last evening for the purpose of revising the roll the Mayor, Mr D. Goldie, read out the following telegram, which' he received during the. course of the meeting from the Hon. W. McCullough, M.L.C.:—"Goldie, Mayor, Auckland: Urgent action necessary, otherwise Auckland loses 'Frisco service tonight. Combination Wellington and Southern members arranged; majority it stated it secured. Send urgent wires; tell others. —Wm. McCullough." The Mayor though that some immediate action should be taken. Cr. Farrell proposed that an urgent wire should be sent by the Council immediately, expressing regret that any attempt should be made to divert the 'Frisco service, especially after the decisive manner in which the people of. Auckland and out-districts and tlie Northern members in Wellington. It was a calamity that this should come so suddenly on Auckland, in opposition to the interests of the merchant community, and shipping companies, and it was to be deplored that any members for their own parochial feelings should combine against Auckland's interests. Cr. Warren thought the Council should remind tbe Premier of the promise made by him that the mail service should not be removed! from Auckland. The Mayor proposed that a committee, consisting of Crs. Stichbury, Entrican, and the mover should draft an urgent wire to be sent to the Premier on the matter. Cr. Farrell seconded. Cr. Entrican said that while in Auckland the Premier made a distinct promise that this service would be kept to Auckland. They knew the Premier had a large following in the House, and if he was willing to remember his promise he could stop any such proposal from being carried. The Premier should be reminded of his promise, and held responsible for I it. I The following telegram was drafted and sent to the Premier: —"Learn what organised effort being made tonight to terminate 'Frisco mail ser- j vice. Auckland citizens hold you responsible for continuance of this service from your promise made Choral Hall last public address July 7. Fore- ! going resolution carried unanimously meeting of City Council to-night.— D. Goldie, Mayor." Shortly after one o'clock this moi-n----ing the Mayor received the following telegram in reply to the Council's resolution: —"Very sorry that Mr Mc- j Cullough should have been the victim I of a cruel practical joke. It is fur- j ther to be regretted that he should have victimised you and the Council. ] You may rely I shall respect the promise made last July. Hay your ter- i I perate habits not been known to me, I should not have made the inquiries! I which have resulted as above related. Trust these Parliamentary jokes have not unwittingly spoiled your breakfast.—R. J. Seddon." Mr J. J. Holland, who with the other Auckland members was communicated with, sent the following message:—"Surprised to receive your telegram. Not the slightest founda- . tion for the statement. Apparently .j a joke. As an Auckland member will •' do my duty.—J. J. Holland. :!