OBJECTION TO CHAIRMAN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 March 1926, Page 5

OBJECTION TO CHAIRMAN.

“WORDS” AT OPUNAKE MEETING. H ARBOUR, BOARD MEMBER WALKS OUT. The tedium of routine business was relieved by a. 'breezy interlude, not without its humorous aspect, at the monthly meeting o,f the Opunake Harbour Board yesterday, when a member, failing to obtain support- for his objection to the election of an acting-chair-man, signified his disapproval by walking out of the meeting. He was speeded on his way by an expression conveying the reverse of regretful feeling from his principal opponent in the brief passage at arms. When the board met there were present : Messrs O. A. Trotter, T. H. H. Sinclair, A. J. Pettigrew, H. Young, A. H. Moore, and. the secretary (Mr. J. N. Stephenson). In the absence of the chairman (Mr. T. P. Hughson), who is representing the board at the Harbour Board’s 'Conference and of the deputy-chairman (Mr. C. H. Hurst) - , it became necessary to appoint- an actingchairman, A motion that Mr. Trotter take tlie chair was proposed by! Mr. Sinclair and seconded by Mr. Pettigrew. On the ground that Mr. Trotter was the Government nominee on the board, Mr. Moore strongly opposed the motion. and nominated Mr. Sinclair. He contended that, according to Air. Trotter’s status, the latter was not eligible to preside. In reply to interrogation he intimated that his opinion was based oil a wellknown custom, in accordance with which Government nominees did not accept the ohairamnship of local bodies. Nothing in support of Mr. Moore’s contention could be found by the secretary in a perusal of the Abb. Mr. Totter stated that, as a member, he thought he had the same rights and-privileges as others on the l hoard. He considered that Mr. Moore’s objection was a personal rather than a legal matter, but lie was quite prepared to stand down in favour of Mr. Sinclair.

Mr Sinclair pointed out that only one motion had been seconded, and requested the secretary to put it to the meeting. The motion was then carried, whereupon Mr. Moore declined to sib under the presidency of Mr. Trotter and prepared to leave the room. Mr. Trotter : All I have to say is that your departure will mean a good riddance.

Mr. Moore (as lie opened the door) : Yes! You’ve been hankering after this! The meeting then proceeded without Mr. Moore.