Merely Received

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 236, 6 October 1936, Page 7

Merely Received

Protests to City Council Fall on Stony Ground

ECHO OF MUNICIPAL “ DUST-UP ”

Three resolutions bearing on the “storm” that disturbed the usual equanimity of City Council proceedings recently and surged around Cr. J. Hodgons., M.P., were presented by Labour organisations to tho City Council last evening. Mr. J. P. Queenan wrote stating that at a combined meeting held at the Opera House on September 22, 1936, the following resolution was passed:—“That this representative meeting requests his Worship the Mayor and councillors of the Palmerston North City Council to replace Messrs Martin and Simms in their respective positions from which they were displaced on August II without sufficient reason. In view of tho fact of the long faithful service they had rendered to tho Palmerston North City Council, this meeting considered that it would be only just for his Worship the Mayor and City Councillors to hear the case in full from their union representative. As had been requested on previous occasions, the long term of 11 and 13 years’ service warrants more just treatment than they have already experienced. This would only bo British justice, which every citizen had a right to. ”

The letter was received and Mr. Queenan’s organisation is to be informed that the council has given every consideration to tho position of tho two ex-employees, already. The secretary of tbe Terraco End branch of the New Zealand Labour Party wrote advising that tho following resolution had been passed by the branch:—“That this meeting of the Labour Party of Palmerston North requests tho Mayor and councillors of this city to reconsider their decision in displacing Councillor J. Hodgeus, M.P., from the committees, as suggested by the resolution moved by the Mayor and seconded by Councillor Teunent; also that the Mayor bo asked to re-open this matter and allow botli sides to state their case. In the meantime Councillor Ilodgens be permitted' to function in his former positions us a councillor.” This letter was received also a.nd on the motion of tho Mayor seconded by Cr. Tennent, the organisation is to be informed that Cr. Ilodgens had had the opportunity to present his case to the council; that the council bad considered the matter and did not propose to take further action.

Cr. Tremaine pointed out that thero seemed to be some misapprehension as to the length of Cr. nodgens’ suspension.

The Mayor: It was for the night only. Cr. Tremaine: Cr. Hodgcns understands that but some of the public do not. Tho motion was carried.

Tho local secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union wrote forwarding tho following resolution passed at a general meeting held on September 24, 1936:—“We the members of tho Palmerston North branch of the New Zealand Workers’ Union protest against the action of councillors on tho Palmerston North City Council in dealing with the position of Cr. Hodgens, M.P., and the positions ho held on the council without first giving him the right to state his ease and defend himself at the eouncil table. Further, that in the interests of citizens of Palmerston North and the City Council, we feel that this would clear up a position that all are interested in and be in the best interests of all. Failing this request receiving favourable consideration, then the present council resign and create an election and again contest their seats on the basis of their preseut action, when the people of Palmerston North will be able to democratically judge for themselves.”

The Mayor moved that the letter be received and the organisation bo seut a letter on similar lines to that to bo sent to the Terrace End branch of the Labour Party. Cr. Langley seconded and the motion was carried.