TAKAPUNA RIFT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 3000, 19 December 1935, Page 10

TAKAPUNA RIFT.

TEN MINUTES' SILENCE COUNCILLOR LEAVES ROOM. MAYOR AND DEPUTY-MAYOR. For ten minutes last night at the Takapuna Borough Council's meeting the Mayor, Mr. J. Guiniven, and all the councillors except one sat in silence. Some twiddled their fingers, others toyed with pencils and their agenda papers and others again merely sat and looked at each other. All this time the deputyMayor, Mr. W. M. White, remained outside the council chamber. He had once again "crossed swords" with the Mayor, who requested Mr. White to apologise for a remark made or else get out. Mr. White chose the latter course. Trouble arose when the report of the works committee was being discussed. Mr. Guiniven questioned the committee's recommendation concerning a letter received from W. and 11. Sniale, contractors, stating that they could supply orders for pipes, etc., for the council's requirements. The committee recommended that the letter be received and filed for reference. Mr. Guiniven wanted to know why this firm had not previously been given an opportunity of supplying the council's requirements. "The other night our engineer said he could procure pipes from 0110 firm only," said the Mayor. "That is not correct. This firm has not been given an opportunity of supplying material to the council, and, in my opinion, the engineer is largely responsible." Mr. White: Oh, try and be a man. You liavo. dragged, the engineer into a discussion and have thrown mud at him. You know he cannot defend himself. Mr. Guiniven: Sit down. Councillor White. You go on like a child. "It is you that is the child," was Mr. White's rejoinder. "Well. I'm not n man of your type anyway," said Mr. Guiniven. "No. you certainly are not," replied Mr. White. "That's the truest statement you have made here for a long time. *Jlist try and be a man for once." "I'll have you shoved out." said the Mavor. "I object to your language." Mr. White: You try it on, but whatever else you do, stop throwing slime at someone you don't allow to defend himself. _ ' , Mr. Guiniven: Councillor White, apologise, or else get out. ° "I'll get out," said the deputy-Mayor, who left the chamber. When the Mayor was about to proceed with the next business, several members protested that he was out of order. After a resolution had been carried adjourning the meeting for ten minutes, sevevnl nienil>ers left the cTumiber. to return in a few minutes to resume their seats. At the expiration of ten minutes Mr. White returned. The Mayor sounded the "bell and called the meeting to order. No more was said, and the Mayor and councillors proceeded as if nothing had

occurred. . Towards tlie end of the meeting the Mayor moved a notice .of motion that tlio portion of the resolution _ -dated December 4 last, in connection with the recommendations of the select committee, relative to the increase of salaries of staff, "That the salary of Mr. Sanderson, engineer, he increased from £200 to £312 per annum," he rescinded. The resolution was seconded, hut was not

carriecL Itl: the discussion which occurred over the notice of motion some heat was displayed and personalities indulged in.