MR. KEAST RESIGNS.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVII, Issue 50, 20 December 1910, Page 5

MR. KEAST RESIGNS.

i It will be remembered that the Clutha County Council decided twd month? ago, acting on legal advice, to take steps to tost the legality of Mr Keast's appointment as rcpresantative ol the Clutha County Council in the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board/'he not being a ratepayer of the local authority. It was clearly stated that in taking this action the County, Council htid no objection of Mr Keast personally, but to the method of his appointment. It is understood that Mr Keast, after enquiring into the position, agreed to resign voluntarily, but wished to continue a member for a week) or two until one or two matters of local concern in which he wasi taking an interest were settled, and that the Council tacitly agreed to this. Mr Keast has now resigned, a|nd sent the following letter to the Clutha County Council:—- ' "To the Chairman of the Clutha "County Council : Doar Sir,—l quite "understand that the present proceedr "ings are not levelled against myself "on any personal grounds whatever, "but that you are desirous of having "the chairman of, the Clutha County •'Council appointed to the position I 'now hold. I have determined to resign my position rather than contest "the action, and I do so for two reasons, which are : (1) I am not disposed to continue in'office with the "knowledge (hut the local authority I "represent desires to have one of its' "own body appointed; and (2) if Ido ' 'not resign your body has no statu- ! Hory power to make the fi;es-h appointment. J have represented the "Clutha County to the best of mv ability, and I feel that my efforts to effect certain reforms that appear to ' me to be necessary have not proved fruitless. Anv assistance 1 1 can give to your County win be "cheerfully and readily 'rendered.-, "lours faithfully, C. E." Keast." It now remains to be seen what action will be tatan in connection with the vacancy.