MAYOR’S LANGUAGE

Evening Star, Issue 21945, 4 February 1935, Page 8

MAYOR’S LANGUAGE

MEETING OF PROTEST TAKAPUNA AMENITIES j [Special to the ‘Stab.’] AUCKLAND, February 2. An unusual meeting was held in th* picturedrome at Milford last night, when, over 300 residents of Takapuna Borough assembled to discuss the conduct in the mayoral chair of Mr John Guiniven. The meeting did not; begin until 9 p.m. From 7.45 until then a talkie programme was presented and in it the theme song of a comedy picture was * Love Your Neighbour.’ Mr C. M. Wills, president of the Milford Progressive Association, presided, and all the councillors were present, including Mrs A. Blomfield, the mayor, of course, did not attend. Mrs Blomfield said it was very degrading for a woman to have to sit on the council and listen to such language as the mayor had used at meetings. She had been accused of being a “ twister,” and had been told that she would not get_ in at the corning elections. “ I claim to be his longest and best supporter,” said Mrs Blomfield. “I still think that if the mayor would control his language and be more tactful, he would be_ a good mayor. (Applause.) He carries out his duties well, but as a mayor and as for his language—well he’s hopeless.” (Laughter.) Mr C. M. Dowd said he recognised that Mr Guiniven was a good mayor, and a “ nice man when you meet him outside the council.”

“ As John Guiniven, who sits on the seat at the corner, he is a fine fellow,” continued Mr Dowd. _ “If that same man came up and sat in ths mayoral chair, everything would be all right. The trouble is that ho enjoys an argument with councillors, and I firmly believe that it is his practice to ‘ rattle ’ councillors if h« can.”

“It’s like sitting on a volcano,’* said Mr Hall in describing his experience on. the council with the mayor* Messrs Clifton and Gibson also spoke, Mr Gibson saying that it wa« “ impossible for any living soul to work with the mayor.” The following resolution was carried ; “That this meeting of residents and ratepayers of Takapuna and Milford emphatically protest, and records its indignation against the language and conduct of the mayor ia his official position, and strongly resents the insults and humiliation heaped upon the councillors and the residents of the borough of_ Takapuna, and the- obstructionist tactics adopted by the mayor.” Mr Malcolm congratulated the Milford Progressive Association on the step it had taken, and said that the residents were justified in recording a protest for the protection of their own interests.

A special meeting of the Takapun* Borough Council called by councillors, was held this afternoon to decide what action should be taken concerning the “ undignified ” conduct of the mayor at the last meeting. After a lively discussion, in which the mayor refused to accept the motion passed at a public meeting, last night, all the councillors walked out.

The mayor said he considered he had been extremely provoked at the last meeting of the council, and that last night’s meeting was unwarranted.