MANAGER OR MAYOR?

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 63, 14 March 1924, Page 3

MANAGER OR MAYOR?

A BFvEEZE AT WAIHI. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WAIHI, this day. An animated debate followed a motion by Councillor Morgan, at the meeting of the Borough Council last evening: "That the council appoint a 'town manager,* Whose duties would include those of borough treasurer, surveyor, etc." Mr. Morgan chiefly relied upon the opinion of a° member'of the Rangiora Borough Council in support of his contention that such an appointment would prove beneficial to Waihi borough. The Mayor (Mr. Walnutt) strongly opposed the motion, and said that if it were carried the town clerk (Mr. J. Ritchie) would be deposed from office, and the foreman of works (Mr. J. E. Slovin) disrated. He quoted the opinions of the Mayor of Rangiora and the Mayor of New Plymouth, together with a standard authority on the subject, Mr. H. Lock, as constituting a complete reply to the contentions advanced by t::e mover. In conclusion, the Mayor said he treated Councillor Morgan's motion as a direct challenge to him. as questioning his administration as Mayor, and suggested that Councillor Morgan resign ollice and contest the' Mayoralty with him, so that the electors may have the opportunity of making the rjuestion a test one. Councillor Morgan, in reply, said he had only the best interests of the borough at heart. He announced his intention of resigning as councillor, but did not accept the challenge as given by the Mayor. The motion was defeated by seven votes to three. Councillors asked Mr. Morgan to reconsider his rc-ignation, but the lattef did not indicate that he would do so. Councillor Morgan's views, as published in the local Press previous to the council meeting, have caused considerable and varied controversy.