TROUBLE AT UPPER HUTT.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 769, 18 March 1910, Page 8

TROUBLE AT UPPER HUTT.

——» : —•' t ■ TOWN BOARD AND CLERK. ; A.CURIOUS POSITION. .- The relations between the Upper Hutt Town Board and its clerk (Mr. M Curdy) were again discussed at the meeting ol the Town Board on Wednesday night. Before the ininutes were counrnied Commissioner Martin asked, _ and was granted leave" to withdraw his motion: "That this board dispenses, with Mr. M'Curdy's services as from March dl, 1910." .., ~ ~ ■ • Commissioner Harrison said that as the motion had been withdrawn he did not think it necessary to present a petition, signed by 222 ratepayers protesting in the following terms against the proposed dismissal :-"Wo, the. undersigned electors and ratepayers, hereby testify to the uniform courtesy and consideration shown us at all times by Mr. A. J. M'Curdy in his official position as town clerk, and as we know of no reason or causo for his dismissal, we enter, onr protest against it." . : Later 'on Commissioner Craig caused a surprise by moving: "That applications be called "for the position of clerk, v the lowest teuder to be not necessarily accented; tenders to close, on. March 30." •• Commissioner Wilkie seconded the nioTlie clerk (Mr. M'Curdy) stated that if the motion was adopted, the board would be in the peculiar position of having two town clerks in its employ. ."I have nd. yet,"' lie declared, "been given notice of dismissal." : A discussion took place as to the terms of, Mr. M'Curdy's appointment: ' In the minutes referring to his engagement, as read by the clerk, no mention was niado as to how long the appointment was to last, or how it might be terminated. ; Commissioner • Wilkie hinted that the minutes had been, abridged from thooriginal record, but this suggestion was scouted by tho chairman and others. ■ The chairman (Mr. G. Beuge) said that there was no doubting tho clerk's capabilities, and ho did not think tho board would get a better officer, though perhaps he said n little too much at times. I

..Commissioner Harrison declared that certain councillors were working a dodge to. gel rid of Mr. M'Curdy from motives of personal feeling' and petty spite. It could not bo said that the clerk's work was not properlv done, and a great injustice was. being inflicted.. An amendment to the motion—a direct negative—was moved by Commissioner Harrison and lost by four votes to two. Commissioner Craig's motion was then carried, Commissioner!) Wilkie, Keys, Craig, and Martin voting in support of it. It is understood that moro may yot bo heard of. the matter.