AFTER THE BREEZE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 115, 18 May 1927, Page 10

AFTER THE BREEZE.

SUPPORT FOR CHAIRMAN. OFFENSIVE REMARKS WITHDRAWN. (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) TE AWAMUTU, Tuesday. Before proceeding with ordinary business at last night's meeting of the borough council, th© Mayor, Mr. L. G. Armstrong, said he desired to refer to the unfortunate incident at last meeting of the council between himself and Councillor Spinley. He felt that it was necessary to clarify the position and desired to put forward the following resolution : — "That Cn. Spinley was in error in stating that the Mayor had unduly delayed calling together the new council, and the council hereby requests him to withdraw his statement to that effect." So long as he held office he intended to see that the dignity of the office was fairly and properly observed. He was not seeking to impose adoption of his policy, for that was a matter for the council 'to frame. He did not wish councillors to vote for him personally, but for- the upholding of the dignity of the chair. Cr. J. C. Monte-fiore seconded the motion.

Cr. G. Spinley expressed regret that the motion had been brought forward in its present form. The. Mayor could have requested him to withdraw the remarks objected to, which he was quite prepared to do. If he had offended lie would express regret, for, looking at the matter dispassionately afterwards, he -would admit that he had lost his temper. Cr. C. Reilly thought it would have been better to afford Cr. Spinlev an opportunity to withdraw his remarks, and -was convinced the matter could be cleared un more satisfactorily without the motion being pressed. Cr. Montefiore said that it was evident there were a number of councillors prepared to defeat every action of the Mayor. In answer to a direct question, Cr. Spinley said he withdrew the remarks objected to. This was accepted by the Mayor, and ho thereupon called for nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor, Cr. Spinley being elected unopposed.