ANGRY RATEPAYER.

Franklin Times, Volume 14, Issue 258, 29 July 1925, Page 4

ANGRY RATEPAYER.

BOARD fVfERSBER ATTACKED. INCIDENT AT PAPAKURA. The terms “false” and "contemptible” were Hie strongest of a stronglyworded letter from Air J. T. Widdowsnn. to Monday evening's meeting of Hie Papakura Town Board, complaining of a statement by the Rev. AY. 0. Wood at the previous meeting of the board, lo the effect that no promise had been made for certain work to the fool path in front of Hie writ er’s premises. Air Widdowson asked the board to read the minutes and letters respecting the board's promises made on January 28, 1923, and alsoion August 29 of the same year. With reference to the first of these, declared Air Widdowson, Air Evans was the mover and Air Wood tire seconder, while as to Hie second, Air Young was the mover and Air J. Walker llie seconder

“After Hie perusal of your own letters and I lie minutes,” Ah’ Widdowson concluded, “I think you will- find that he (Mr Wood) has acted in a most unjustifiable manner in making the wrong statements he has, and unworthy of li is position as a town board member. JL' this letter, with the correspondence referred to, should not be read at the next board meeting. 1 shall publish ail in one of lire daily papers.” , The minutes were referred to.

In rising !,o reply, Mr Wood said lie thought the ratepayer was really beyond liis hounds in stating that a hoard member’s action was unjustifiable. “And,” he added, humorously, “Ihe threat to publish the correspondence in a daily paper makes me tremble all over.” (Laughter).

Mr Wood explained that his idea was that the whole footpath should he dealt with, and, when chairman of the hoard, he had moved that an estimate of the cost be obtained. After that the financial position became much more stringent, and it was resolved that the work he done when funds permitted. That was the position still, if there was anything ‘contemptible” about it, he was afraid he did not feel if was so.