NOT FAIR PLAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 285, 5 November 1925, Page 7

NOT FAIR PLAY

CANDIDATE’S TREATMENT. At the conclusion of his address to a large gathering of electors at the band rotunda in St. Albans Park on Monday night, Mr H. Holland, Reform candidate for Christchurch North, told his audience a little story (says the Christchurch Press). On September 9th, lie said, he had applied to the Christchurch City Council for the use of the band rotunda in St. Albans Park on tho night before the election. His application had been granted, and he had received a receipt for the 10s which lie had paid on that occasion. Mr Holland produced the receipt, which reads: “Being fee for use of St. Albans band rotunda the evening immediately preceding election day.” The receipt is signed by the cashier and the city treasurer. A little later, said Mr Holland, he had received a communication from tho town clerk requesting him to name a specific date on which he wished to use the rotunda. He had received the following reply: “Sir, —I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, applying for the use of St. Albans. Park band rotunda at 8 p.m. on the 3rd November next. In reply, I am directed by the by-laws committee of the City Council to inform you that the use of the rotunda has already been granted for the samo date and time. I am, however, to state that facilities will be granted you for holding a meeting in the park on tho said evening if so desired. — I am, sir, your obedient servant, James Anderson, Acting-Town Clerk. “If that is fair play,” said Mr Holland, “I do not call it such.” After the meeting Mr Holland stated to a representative of The Press that two or three Labour members of the council, including his opponent, Mr F. Cooke, were members of the by-laws and finance committee.