POWER BOARD BREEZE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 15, 19 January 1931, Page 5

POWER BOARD BREEZE.

MEMBER ATTACKED.

"UNSUSPECTING GENTLEMAN"

REMARK WITHDRAWN,

The calm of the deliberations of the Waitemata. Electric Power Board was disturbed this morning, when Mr. W. B. Darlow referred to a member as an

'"unsuspecting old gentleman," who tired the bullets manufactured by others. Members protested vigorously against the allegation, which was made when Mr. J, A. Algie moved to rescind h motion carried in October last reducing the number of meetings of the board lo one. a month. As an alternative Mr. Algie moved that the board meet foi'tr nightly, alternately in open board and as a general purposes committee. The resolution was supported by Mr. M. E. Thompson.

The chairman, Mr. G. Trevithick, said that after three months" experience he could not see the. necessity to revert to the old system. All the business of the board was done in three hours a month, and the question of finding enough business for an extra meeting would be a nightmare. '"The business is not here," lie added. "To call the members of the board together on a. regular meeting of the committee, and have nothing for them to do, would-bo-a drain-on the resources of the board, which is not warranted under the present circumstances." Uproar was created by Mr. W. B. Darlow when, in opposing the resolution he remarked: ''I suggest that this is not Mr. Algie's resolution, but that it i< the work of some of the more astute members of this council, who have made the bullets for that unsuspecting old gentleman to fire." The chairman, rising to his feet: Are you reflecting on the integrity of any member of this board, or saying tha: he is under the influence of others?

On Mr. Darlow's repeating his imputation, Mr. Algie rose to a point of order. He stated that Mr. DarlowV accusation was absolutely erroneous. The suggestion that there should bs more frequent meetings had been in his mind for some time past. He resented strongly the suggestion that he .waunder the influence of more astute members of the board.

Urged by Mr. M, E. Thompson, the chairman pressed for a withdrawal of the statement made by Mr. Darlow. .Mr. Darlow (reluctantly) :• If you wish me to withdraw I will, but- it -goes out. just the same. After this • little breeze we will proceed. . . He argued that the board should have concrete reasons for reverting to the old practice, and further staled'that tininterests of the ratepayers and tin , board had not suffered by fewer meetings.

Motion Rejected. "I am sorry to find myself on Mr. Darlow's side, but it is a matter of principle," said Mr. J. Maekie, who added he would oppose the motion', as ho thought that, while the depression lasted, the business would not warrant more than a meeting a month. It was suggested by Mr. 0. W. Marks that as Mr. Darlow considered money could be saved by fewer meetings, hy shonld not waste his time attending an\ meetings.

Mr. Mackie: I eonkl not agree to Mr Marks' suggestion, because Mr. Darlow is the head and shoulders of this board. The motion was defeated, Messrs. Algie, Rankin, Greenslade and Thornnson being the only members to vote in favour of it.