THE ROYAL TOUR

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 59, 3 December 1926, Page 10

THE ROYAL TOUR

CHRISTCHURCH - MEETING INTERRUPTED Dominion Special. Christchurch. December 2. . A meeting held at the City Council Chambers yesterday to consider arrangements for the forthcoming visit of the Duke and Duchess of York was interrupted bv a man in workman’s clothes who demanded a hearing. “Excuse me, Mr. Archer,” be said, addressing the Mayor, “but could not this meeting have been called at a convenient time for ratepayers? . At 4 p.m. the employer can come, but the employees cannot. I came here to protest, and you as a Labour Mayor should set an example.” The Mayor pointed out that there were representatives from many country centres to be considered, and it could not be expected that they could come in at night time. The interrupter: They should come here. We have got to' pay and I’ve been paying rates for the past fifty vears. Voices from several quarters: Sit down. The Mavor: Will vou sit down ? “Yes, T' will, but T will have something to sav later,” was the reply. The interrupter spoke again after it had been decided to form a general committee of all present. "Is the committee to be a responsible committee?” he asked. “I’m not antagonistic,> but when the Prince of Wales was here £lOOO was set aside for entertainment, but the council went £6OO over that. If the new committee goes beyond the grant allowed they should nay for it. That’s a fair question, ain’t it?” "T can assure the gentleman that the grant will not be exceeded.” said the Mavor.

“T will retire now,” said the man. "I’ve got no time to go on committees.” Tie then made his way out.