BIRKENHEAD MAYORALTY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 300, 16 December 1905, Page 7

BIRKENHEAD MAYORALTY.

MEETING OF RESIDENTS.

A meeting of residents of Birkenhead, convened by Mr Jas. Harris, was held in the schoolroom last night to protest against the action of tbe Council in not appointing Mr Alex. Keyes to the mayoralty on the retirement of Mrt J. H. 'Witheford. Mr Graham presided, and there was a good attendance, over 50 being present. A--resolution was moved by Mr Harris requesting tbe Council to appoint Mr Keyes. to the position, and thanking the four members of tlie Council who bad voted for Mr Keyes. Mr MePhail seconded, and several others spoke to the resolution. It wa_ stated that the reason .given for the appointment of Mr Porter was that the election of Mr Keyes would create a vacancy in the Council, and Mr Porter had been ■ appointed to obviate the expense of this election. In reply to this allegation one speaker said that a member of the Council had offered to pay the cost of the election. It was further stated that the object of those who voted for Mr~ Porter was to prevent an election by which the balance of power in tbe Council, which was now in favour of Birkdale, would be swung in favour of Birkenhead, as a representative would be chosen from Chelsea or tbe Point. Mr Tisdall endeavoured to speak in opposition to the movement, hut was not aecorded-a hearing, and the resolution was enthusiastically agreed to.