MAYOR'S ANTAGONISM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 230, 29 September 1938, Page 6

MAYOR'S ANTAGONISM.

WOULD NOT TAKE CHAIR.

POINT BLANK REFUSAL.

(By. Telegraph.—Frees Association.)

WESTPORT, Wednesday

The Mayor of Westport. Mr. J. Kilkenny, said he refused point blank to take the chair at the opening address in Westport of Mr. T. O. Maddieon, National candidate for Ruller. The refusal arose from an invitation from the secretary of the West port branch of the National party to the Mayor read at the monthly meeting of the Westport. Borough Council to-night. Mr. Kilkenny eaid that the Buller County Council and the Westport Borough Council had recently passed motions of confidence in the Government and in the member for the district, the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of MiiKts. The Mayor added that the cdneequeiKjto ofltig reftwel were an his own shoulder*. He would not assist any of those responsible for the etate of'the West Coast before 1035. .*

Strong exception to the Mayor's remarks were taken by two councillors, Mr. O. L. Nahr and Mr. O. Taylor, who regretted to see the step he had taken. "The country," said Mr. Nahr, "i* still free." By refusing to act Mr. Kilkenny was practically dictating to the people as to how to vote.

Mr. Kilkenny replied that in his opinion he was doing the right thing for Westport.